California Appeals Court Upholds Weinstein Conviction but Orders New Sentencing

A California appeals court has upheld Harvey Weinstein's conviction for raping an Italian model and actress, but ruled that the former film producer must be sentenced again.

California Appeals Court Upholds Weinstein Conviction but Orders New Sentencing

A California appeals court on Friday affirmed the 2022 verdict that found former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein guilty of raping and sexually assaulting an unnamed Italian model and actress, yet ordered that he be sentenced anew.

The lower court in Los Angeles had previously imposed a 16-year prison term on the now 74-year-old defendant. The appellate panel did not explain in its published decision why a fresh sentencing hearing was required, according to reporting by Aktuálně.cz.

The three-judge bench unanimously rejected defense claims that the trial had infringed Weinstein's constitutional rights. The panel also dismissed attempts to undermine the jury's guilty verdict. Prosecutors had depicted Weinstein as a serial predator who lured women to hotel rooms and apartments with promises of career advancement in the film industry, then overpowered and attacked them.

During the proceedings, Weinstein's attorneys maintained that the accuser gave false testimony. They contended that at the time she alleged the assault took place, she was not present in her hotel room. Counsel further argued the proceedings were compromised from the outset because prospective jurors learned during selection that Weinstein had already been convicted in a separate New York trial, knowledge they claimed "infected" the entire California case.

Weinstein's legal team stated they were disappointed by the appellate decision and emphasized that further appeals would follow. "This is not the end of the appellate process," they declared.

The case helped ignite the MeToo movement, which campaigns against sexual violence toward women. More than one hundred women have leveled accusations of rape, sexual assault, inappropriate conduct and harassment against the once-powerful producer. Weinstein has denied all allegations against him.

The assault at the center of the California conviction occurred during a film festival, when Weinstein allegedly attacked the victim inside her hotel room. Her identity has been protected throughout the legal proceedings.

Source: Aktuálně.cz