NEW YORK – Disgraced ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein faces mounting legal and health troubles some seven years after scores of women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against him, helping launch the global #MeToo movement.
On Thursday, he was indicted on additional sex crimes charges in New York ahead of a retrial this fall. The grand jury decision remains sealed until he is formally arraigned in court.
Weinstein has maintained that any sexual activity was consensual.
Meanwhile, the 72-year-old remains hospitalized following emergency heart surgery — just the latest in an assortment of medical ailments that have cropped up while in custody.
New York Retrial
In April, New York’s highest court overturned Weinstein’s 2020 conviction on rape and sexual assault charges, ruling that the trial judge had unfairly allowed testimony against him based on allegations from other women that were not part of the case.
A new trial was ordered and the tentative start date is Nov. 12.
One of the two accusers in that case has said she is prepared to testify against Weinstein again, but it remains to be seen if the other accuser will also take the stand once more.
Weinstein had been sentenced to 23 years in prison for that conviction.
New Criminal Charges
Earlier this month, prosecutors disclosed that a Manhattan grand jury had reviewed evidence of up to three additional allegations against Weinstein.
They include alleged sexual assaults at various locations between 2005 and 2016.
It is unclear when Weinstein will be formally charged on those allegations, given his current health condition. The next court hearing ahead of the retrial is slated for Sept. 18.
It is also unclear how the additional allegations will factor in the retrial.
California Conviction Appeals
In 2022, Weinstein was found guilty of rape, forced oral copulation and another sexual misconduct count after a trial in Los Angeles. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Weinstein’s lawyers appealed the conviction in June, arguing the trial judge wrongly excluded evidence implicating the alleged victim.
UK Charges Dropped
Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service announced they had decided to drop two charges of indecent assault against Weinstein due to lack of prospects for conviction.
In 2022, charges were filed over an incident occurring in London in 1996.
Pending Civil Cases
Weinstein also faces several lawsuits brought by women accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Among the latest is one from actor Julia Ormond, who accused Weinstein of assaulting her in 1995.
Health Problems
Weinstein’s lawyers have regularly raised concerns about his deteriorating health since being taken into custody.
During his court appearances, he’s often relying on a wheelchair due to various health issues.
Weinstein underwent heart surgery recently to address a fluid buildup issue.
A judge has granted his request to remain at Manhattan’s Bellevue Hospital indefinitely for medical care.
Follow Philip Marcelo on Twitter.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
