In New York, the jury selection process has concluded for the retrial of Harvey Weinstein, renowned for his role in the #MeToo movement. The panel consists of seven women and five men, a reversal from the gender composition in his previous conviction five years ago. Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday after the final selection of six alternate jurors. These alternates will replace any main juror unable to complete the trial.
The selected jurors come from diverse professional backgrounds, including a physics researcher, a photographer, a dietitian, an investment bank software engineer, and a retired city social worker. This varied jury was finalized after a rigorous selection process, which lasted four days and involved potential jurors sharing details about their personal backgrounds and potential biases related to the widely publicized case.
During the selection process, defense attorney Mike Cibella inquired if graphic sexual allegations would lead jurors to unfairly decide Weinstein’s guilt. One prospective juror, later selected, assured that such testimony would not influence her judgment. Many prospective jurors were privately questioned regarding their awareness and opinions about the case and Weinstein himself, with some being excused following their responses.
When jury questioning shifted to open court, prosecutor Shannon Lucey emphasized the importance of jurors setting aside any preconceived notions about the #MeToo movement. This movement gained momentum in 2017 following numerous allegations against Weinstein, a former film industry titan. Despite this backdrop, all potential jurors affirmed their ability to remain impartial.
Weinstein, who is now 73, is facing retrial on rape and sexual assault charges after his previous conviction and 23-year prison sentence were overturned by New York’s Court of Appeals. The court deemed the trial biased due to improper judicial decisions and prejudicial testimony. Weinstein maintains his innocence, denying any allegations of rape or sexual assault.
The current trial addresses charges that in 2013, Weinstein raped an aspiring actress in a Manhattan hotel room and committed a criminal sex act forcing oral sex on a film and TV assistant in 2006. Additionally, Weinstein faces another criminal sex act charge, involving a new accuser not part of the original trial, who claims that he coerced her into oral sex at a Manhattan hotel.