Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction overturned by New York appeals court

A New York court has overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 conviction for rape, ordering a new trial in the landmark “MeToo” case.

The state’s highest court found the judge at the trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with “egregious” improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.

In a 4-3 decision, the ruling by the Court of Appeals will mean a painful chapter in reckoning with sexual misconduct by powerful figures looks likely to be reopened.

It was an era that began in 2017 with a flood of allegations against Weinstein dating back to the 1970s.

Weinstein’s accusers could again be forced to relive their traumas on the witness stand.

The 72-year-old former film producer has been serving a 23-year sentence in a New York prison for sexually assaulting ex-production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping former aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 following the landmark 2020 trial.

However, he will remain behind bars as he was sentenced last year in Los Angeles to 16 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting an actress in a Beverly Hills Hotel.

The Los Angeles conviction is not affected by today’s decision in New York.

Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg – who is already involved in a hush money trial against former president Donald Trump – will now decide whether Weinstein will receive a retrial.

A spokesperson for Mr Bragg said in an email: “We will do everything in our power to retry this case, and remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors of sexual assault.”

Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer who represented eight of Weinstein’s accusers said today’s decision was a “major step back in holding those accountable for acts of sexual violence,” adding: “It will require the victims to endure yet another trial.”

Once considered the most powerful man in Hollywood, Weinstein was accused by dozens of women claiming he bullied, pressured, coerced, or overpowered them while demanding sexual favours.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Salma Hayek, Lupita Nyong’o and Ashley Judd were some who accused Weinstein of sexual harassment, while actresses Asia Argento and Rose McGowan were among others who accused him of raping them.

He was also accused of reaching settlements to keep the stories quiet.

Weinstein had admitted his behaviour had “caused a lot of pain”, but maintains his innocence throughout saying any sexual activity was consensual.

The glut of allegations sparked #Metoo, a movement where alleged victims of sexual assault increasingly publicised their experiences, and many came forward against high-profile figures, especially in the entertainment industry.

Weinstein co-founded the entertainment company Miramax in 1979 whose hit movies included Pulp Fiction, Flirting with Disaster and Shakespeare in Love.

He was ousted from his own firm, The Weinstein Company, in 2017 after the New York Times reported nearly 30 years of rape and sexual harassment allegations towards him.

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