Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced film producer, has filed an appeal to overturn his rape and sexual assault conviction in California, just weeks after his conviction in New York was overturned. In the Los Angeles case, Weinstein is seeking a new trial, claiming that he was wrongfully convicted of sexually assaulting Jane Doe 1.
According to court documents obtained by NBC News, Weinstein’s publicist, Juda Engelmayer, stated that Weinstein was tried unfairly and that there were numerous legal missteps during the trial that violated his right to a fair trial. The appeal argues that Weinstein was convicted of sexually assaulting Jane Doe 1, but his defense team claims that crucial evidence was withheld, and the jury was misled about the nature of the relationship between Jane Doe 1 and another individual involved in the case.
The appeal also alleges that Weinstein’s defense was hindered, preventing him from presenting evidence that could have proven his innocence. The defense team claims that critical evidence was not disclosed to the jury, and that jurors expressed regret after the trial upon learning that they were denied access to information that could have impacted their decision.
Weinstein’s lawyers further assert that the trial was biased from the beginning, as jurors were informed of Weinstein’s previous conviction in New York and were allowed to hear evidence of uncharged sex offenses dating back decades. This, they argue, painted Weinstein in a negative light and prejudiced the jury against him.
The appeal requests a new trial where Weinstein’s constitutional rights are protected, where he can present evidence in his defense, and where the focus is on his actions rather than his character. Despite serving a 16-year sentence in Los Angeles, Weinstein’s legal team is determined to fight for his innocence and ensure that he receives a fair trial.
As the legal battle continues, Weinstein remains in custody at Rikers Island in New York, facing the possibility of a new trial in that state. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has expressed interest in retrying the case, but no official trial date has been set. The outcome of Weinstein’s appeals in both California and New York could have significant implications for his future legal proceedings and overall reputation in the entertainment industry.