The New York Court of Appeals overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction on Thursday, citing improper rulings by the trial judge and paving the way for a new trial. The court found that the judge’s decision to allow testimony about uncharged allegations prejudiced Weinstein, as it served no material non-propensity purpose. The majority opinion, in a 4-3 decision, deemed the errors as “egregious” and mandated a new trial, potentially requiring Weinstein’s accusers to testify again.
A spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office affirmed their commitment to retry the case, emphasizing their dedication to survivors of sexual assault. However, attorney Douglas H. Wigdor, representing eight Weinstein accusers, criticized the decision, arguing that it impedes accountability for sexual violence. He contended that evidence of uncharged acts is routinely admitted to assist juries in understanding the defendant’s intent or pattern of behavior.
In a dissenting opinion, Judge Madeline Singas accused the majority of distorting facts and disregarding the jury’s consideration of Weinstein’s past assaults. Judge Anthony Cannataro also dissented, describing the decision as an “unfortunate step backwards.”
Weinstein, currently serving a 23-year sentence for criminal sex act and rape, has been in a New York prison since his 2020 conviction. The charges stemmed from incidents in 2006 and 2013 and gained prominence following investigative reports by The New York Times and The New Yorker, contributing to the #MeToo Movement. Weinstein also faced charges in Los Angeles, where he was convicted of rape in 2022 and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein’s spokesperson, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision while acknowledging the challenges ahead in California.