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
Florida gubernatorial candidate arrested after reported 'weapons disturbance'

Florida Gubernatorial Hopeful Arrested Amidst ‘Weapons Disturbance’ Allegations

In a surprising turn of events, a man campaigning for the governorship…
Iranians issue chilling warning to U.S. as they celebrate deportation of regime offspring

Iran’s Bold Message to the U.S.: Celebrating the Deportation of Regime Heirs

Iranians are expressing their approval following the U.S. government’s decision to revoke…
Husband of missing boater Lynette Hooker shared maps showing where she fell overboard: report

Maps Revealed: Husband of Missing Boater Lynette Hooker Shares Crucial Overboard Location

In a recent development surrounding the mysterious disappearance of a woman in…
Rep. Eric Swalwell suspends campaign for California governor amid sexual assault allegations

Rep. Eric Swalwell Halts California Gubernatorial Campaign Following Sexual Assault Allegations

California Representative Eric Swalwell has decided to pause his gubernatorial campaign following…
Republican businesswoman takes on Rep. Pat Ryan -- says two-termer 'cowed' by Dem party bosses

Republican Challenger Accuses Rep. Pat Ryan of Party Allegiance in Bid for Congressional Seat

A Republican entrepreneur is gearing up to challenge Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan,…
Trump says Iran is 'in very bad shape,' doesn't care if regime comes back to table ahead of planned Strait of Hormuz blockade

Trump Declares Iran’s Dire Situation, Shows Indifference to Regime’s Negotiation Return Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade Plans

On Monday, President Trump remarked that Iran is currently facing significant difficulties…
DHS launches probe into Eric Swalwell over allegations he illegally hired Brazilian nanny

Department of Homeland Security Investigates Eric Swalwell for Alleged Illegal Employment of Brazilian Nanny

The Department of Homeland Security has launched an investigation into claims that…
'If we need to die, we’ll die'

Facing Mortality: Unwavering Resolve in the Face of Adversity

WASHINGTON — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has announced that Cuba is on…
Starved toddler died of neglect after eating diapers, drywall in filthy room, as parents' room was kept clean

Shocking Neglect: Toddler’s Tragic Death Highlights Stark Disparity in Parental Care

An Indiana couple is facing serious charges after their toddler died under…
Our Chicago: What we've learned from Artemis II mission, what's next for NASA

Chicago Insights: Discoveries from Artemis II and NASA’s Upcoming Plans

CHICAGO (WLS) — This week marks a historic moment in space exploration,…
Defiant Iran accuses US of 'piracy' in Strait of Hormuz, taunts Trump over gas prices

Iran Accuses US of ‘Piracy’ in Strait of Hormuz, Challenges Trump on Rising Gas Prices

In a bold move on Monday, Iran accused the United States of…
Man shot, killed in parking lot of Brunswick restaurant, police say

Tragic Shooting Incident Claims Life in Brunswick Restaurant Parking Lot, Authorities Report

Authorities in Brunswick have confirmed that a suspect has been apprehended following…