Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial to open Wednesday with majority-female jury
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK — Opening statements are set for Wednesday in former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial, this time with a majority-female jury deciding the landmark #MeToo case.

After a dayslong selection process yielded a seven-woman, five-man jury and five alternate jurors by Monday, prosecutors and Weinstein’s lawyers finished choosing a sixth and final alternate on Tuesday. Alternates step in if a member of the main panel can’t see the trial through.

The main jury is more female than the five women and seven men who convicted Weinstein at his first trial five years ago. The verdict marked a signature moment for the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct, which had been fueled in 2017 by a slew of allegations against Weinstein, then a high-flying movie producer of a string of Oscar winners including “Pulp Fiction” and “Shakespeare in Love.”

But in a reversal that dismayed #MeToo activists, New York’s highest court last year overturned Weinstein’s 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence. The court found that the original trial judge allowed prejudicial testimony. That judge’s term expired in 2022, and he is no longer on the bench.

Weinstein, 73, has pleaded not guilty and denies raping or sexually assaulting anyone.

Drawn from Manhattan’s jury pool, the 12 members of the main jury for the New York retrial include a physics researcher, a photographer, a dietitian, a therapist, an investment bank software engineer and a fire safety director. Others have experience in real estate, TV commercials, debt collection, social work and other fields.

One has a high school equivalency degree. Others have master’s degrees. Some have served as jurors or grand jurors multiple times before; others, never.

Hundreds of other potential jurors were excused for reasons ranging from language barriers to strong opinions about Weinstein – “the first word that came in my head was ‘pig,'” said one man who was soon let go.

Those chosen were quizzed about their backgrounds, life experiences and various other points that could relate to their ability to be fair and impartial about the highly publicized case.

“You may hear sexual allegations here of a salacious nature – graphic, perhaps. Would hearing that indicate that … Mr. Weinstein must be guilty?” defense attorney Mike Cibella asked one prospective juror on Monday. The woman, who ultimately was chosen, answered no.

Prosecutor Shannon Lucey sought assurances that prospective jurors could put aside any position or feelings they had about the #MeToo movement.

“Is there anyone who is going to think of the movement and think, ‘OK, that’s just something that I have to keep in the back of my mind when I’m deciding this case’? Everyone can put that aside?” Lucey asked a group of 24 possible jurors. All indicated they could do so.

Weinstein’s rape and sexual assault retrial involves accusations from three women: an aspiring actor who said he raped her in 2013, and two women who made separate allegations of forced oral sex in 2006. One of the two wasn’t part of the original trial.

Meanwhile, Weinstein is challenging a separate 2022 rape conviction in Los Angeles.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Morning Minute: Leadership Doesn't Look Like This

Morning Minute: Surprising Missteps in Leadership Revealed

Thursday, January 8, 2026 Good morning! Welcome to RedState’s “Morning Minute,” your…
Chicago Bears fans gearing up for Green Bay Packers playoff matchup at Soldier Field

Excitement Builds as Chicago Bears Prepare to Face Green Bay Packers in Key Playoff Showdown at Soldier Field

CHICAGO (WLS) — Enthusiastic Chicago Bears supporters are filled with anticipation as…
Adam Beckerink, attorney accused by Chicago police of murdering wife in South Loop high-rise, to be extradited to Illinois soon

Chicago Attorney Adam Beckerink Faces Extradition to Illinois Over Alleged South Loop High-Rise Murder of Wife

CHICAGO (WLS) — Michigan prosecutors have confirmed that Adam Beckerink is now…
Miami heading home for shot at national title after beating Ole Miss in Fiesta Bowl

Miami Hurricanes Secure Fiesta Bowl Victory Over Ole Miss, Advance to National Championship

By JOHN MARSHALL GLENDALE — In a thrilling finish, Carson Beck dashed…
Crane removes Hampton Inn By Hilton sign from Minnesota hotel that allegedly denied service to DHS, ICE agents

Controversy Unfolds as Hampton Inn By Hilton Sign Removed After Alleged Service Denial to DHS and ICE Agents in Minnesota

On Thursday, photos surfaced showing a crane taking down the sign of…
Two wounded in Portland shooting involving federal agents after DHS says vehicle 'weaponized' against them

Portland Shooting: Two Injured After Vehicle Incident with Federal Agents

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported an incident involving a…
Gov Walz authorizes National Guard staging following fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis

Governor Walz Mobilizes National Guard After Deadly ICE Shooting Sparks Minneapolis Tensions

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took decisive action on Thursday by authorizing the…
Report: Florida is no longer the lightning capital of the US

Striking News: Florida Dethroned as America’s Lightning Capital

In an unexpected twist of meteorological fate, Florida, once synonymous with electrifying…
ICE agents report ‘unprecedented’ 3,200% surge in car attacks last year

Staggering 3,200% Increase: ICE Agents Reveal Alarming Rise in Car Attacks

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed on Thursday a startling 3,200%…
Minneapolis ICE shooter identified as agent Jonathan Ross

ICE Agent Jonathan Ross Identified in Minneapolis Shooting Incident

The recent fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an Immigration and…
St. Augustine teacher pleads guilty to attempted sexual exploitation

Ex-St. Augustine Teacher Receives Sentence for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of Minor

The Department of Justice has announced that Matthew Christopher Yates received a…
2 killed during memorial service at Mormon church in Utah

Tragic Incident at Utah Mormon Church: Two Lives Lost During Memorial Service

In a tragic incident outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City,…