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
Trump endorses former British government aide Steve Hilton in California governor's race

Breaking: Trump Throws Support Behind Steve Hilton for California Governor – What This Means for the Race

In a significant political development, former British government aide and current Fox…
Exclusive | Gavin Newsom’s nemesis demands strict new test for homeless — as LA burns $300M on doomed program

California Showdown: Newsom’s Challenger Calls for Rigorous Homeless Policy Amid LA’s $300M Controversy

An expert has emphasized that California should focus on recovery efforts before…
New Hampshire police shooting suspect Matthew J. Masse killed in gunfight after massive manhunt

Manhunt Ends: New Hampshire Shooting Suspect Matthew J. Masse Killed in Armed Confrontation

Authorities have confirmed that a man suspected of shooting a New Hampshire…
California’s $125 billion high-speed train to nowhere laid bare in 60 Minutes report

60 Minutes Exposes Challenges Facing California’s $125 Billion High-Speed Rail Project

The transportation secretary for California, under Governor Gavin Newsom, has acknowledged that…
Airstrikes come within 82 yards of Iran's nuclear power plant: UN watchdog

Near Miss: Airstrikes Threaten Iran’s Nuclear Power Plant, UN Watchdog Reports

Allied forces have launched airstrikes targeting areas surrounding Iran’s sole operational nuclear…
Trump gives Iran Tuesday evening deadline to open Strait of Hormuz after warning of strikes in fiery post

Trump Sets Deadline for Iran to Open Strait of Hormuz, Threatens Action in Bold Statement

In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, U.S. President Donald…
Helicopter releases thousands of Easter eggs for Colorado church hunt

Helicopter Showers Colorado Church with Thousands of Easter Eggs for Epic Hunt

Children eagerly awaited as a shower of candy-filled Easter eggs descended from…
Baby among 3 dead in holiday horror as Easter egg hunt turns deadly

Tragic Easter Egg Hunt Incident Claims Three Lives, Including Infant

Authorities have reported that a tragic incident occurred in Germany during an…
1 dead, 1 in critical condition after brazen Easter Sunday shooting on NYC street

Easter Sunday Shooting in NYC Leaves One Dead, Another Critically Injured

An Easter Sunday shooting left a young man dead and another critically…
Tyler Robinson defense asks court to bar cameras for next in-person hearing

Tyler Robinson’s Legal Team Seeks to Exclude Cameras from Upcoming Courtroom Proceedings

On Sunday, Tyler Robinson, who stands accused of the murder of Charlie…
Search for Nancy Guthrie: Savannah Guthrie, family appeal to Tucson, Arizona community for clues in disappearance

Savannah Guthrie Returns to ‘Today’ Show After Mother’s Mysterious Disappearance

NEW YORK — Savannah Guthrie made her much-anticipated return to the “Today”…
Iran shares video of destroyed US aircraft blown up amid daring rescue mission

Iran Releases Footage of US Aircraft Destruction Amid Bold Rescue Operation

Iranian state media recently circulated images and footage that allegedly depict the…