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
Iran leader death: Israel launches Tehran attack as Iran's counterattacks widen after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed

Breaking News: Tensions Escalate as Israel Strikes Tehran Following Ayatollah Khamenei’s Death

In the heart of Iran’s capital, a massive explosion reverberated on Sunday…
Putin: Killing of Khamenei a 'cynical violation' of morality

Putin Condemns Khamenei’s Killing as ‘Cynical Violation’ of Global Morality Standards

Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly denounced the assassination of Iranian Supreme…
CIA tracked Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei's movement for months -- intel helped US, Israel time strike during meeting: report

CIA Monitored Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei for Months, Aiding US-Israel Coordinated Strike Timing: Report

Over recent months, U.S. intelligence agencies closely monitored Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah…
Iran's terror proxies, from Iraq to Lebanon, say they're ready to respond to US-Israel attacks

Iran’s Allied Forces in Iraq and Lebanon Poised to Counter US-Israel Military Actions

The Islamic Republic of Iran has forged a network of predominantly Shiite…
Tel Aviv analyst shelters from 30 missile sirens in 48 hours, says Iran ‘won’t recover'

Tel Aviv Analyst Endures 30 Missile Alerts in 2 Days, Predicts Major Impact on Iran

In an unprecedented turn of events, the last two days in Tel…
US-Israel Attack on Iran: Oil prices rise sharply in market trading after attacks in Middle East disrupt global energy supply

US-Israel Offensive in Iran Sparks Sharp Surge in Oil Prices Amid Global Energy Supply Disruption

NEW YORK — The opening of the trading week saw a significant…

Mass Arrests in Minneapolis: Anti-ICE Protesters Clash with Police Amidst Allegations of Violence

On Sunday, authorities reported the arrest of at least 54 individuals during…
DNA is still pending as volunteers find another glove in the search for Nancy Guthrie

Expert Analysis: Nancy Guthrie’s Abduction Raises Concerns About Senior Safety in Wealthy Neighborhoods

The case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, allegedly kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona…
Victim of NYC racist boot fire attack tells News she needed to stand up to social media trolls

NYC Woman Targeted in Racist Attack Speaks Out Against Social Media Harassment

A woman whose footwear was set ablaze by a pair of bloggers…
Asking Eric: Wealthy employer’s chaotic schedule causes stress

Consulting Eric: High-Profile Employer’s Unpredictable Schedule Sparks Tension

Dear Eric, At 65, having relished the retirement life for the past…
Tomahawks, B-2 stealth bombers and attack drones pound over 1,000 Iranian targets in 24-hour blitz

Massive U.S. Military Offensive Targets Over 1,000 Iranian Sites with Tomahawks, B-2 Bombers, and Drones in 24-Hour Assault

In a significant military maneuver, U.S. forces launched a large-scale assault on…