The 2020 conviction of Harvey Weinstein for sexual assault and rape was overturned by New York’s highest court, reigniting the landmark case that catalysed the #MeToo movement and highlighting the complexities of holding influential figures accountable.
Many of Weinstein’s accusers, including actress Ashley Judd, condemned the decision, calling it “an act of institutional betrayal.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office indicated its intention to retry Weinstein following the court’s ruling.
In a contentious 4-3 decision, the state Court of Appeals criticised the trial judge for allowing women to testify about Weinstein’s alleged assaults, which were not part of the charges he faced.
Additionally, the court faulted the judge for permitting prosecutors to question Weinstein about a range of “loathsome” behaviour if he chose to testify, influencing his decision not to do so.
The majority opinion, written by Judge Jenny Rivera, called for a new trial to address these “egregious errors.”
Weinstein, currently serving a 23-year sentence in upstate New York, had been convicted in 2020 on charges including first-degree sexual assault and third-degree rape, relating to incidents involving Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann.
Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, hailed the decision as “a great day for America,” expressing Weinstein’s relief upon learning of the outcome.
Although not expected to be released immediately due to a separate 16-year prison term in California for a 2013 rape conviction, Aidala indicated Weinstein’s readiness to testify in his defence at a retrial.
Prominent women’s rights lawyer, Gloria Allred, who is representing Miriam Haley, stated that while victims may have lost this battle, they have not lost the war. Haley expressed willingness to testify again, underscoring ongoing efforts to seek justice.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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