The disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has entered a not-guilty plea to a fresh sexual assault charge in New York, adding another chapter to his ongoing legal saga.
According to the New York Post, Weinstein appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court on Wednesday to face a new indictment charging him with first-degree criminal sexual act. The charge stems from an alleged incident in a lower Manhattan hotel room between April 29 and May 6, 2006.
The new indictment comes as Weinstein awaits retrial on his historic 2020 #MeToo case, which New York's highest court overturned. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that the new charge resulted from a survivor who bravely came forward, leading to Weinstein's indictment for an additional alleged violent sexual assault.
The specifics of the new accusation remain undisclosed, with no information about the accuser being revealed. Weinstein, who has consistently maintained his innocence, reportedly has no knowledge of who the new accuser might be, according to his attorney, Arthur Aidala.
Weinstein, 72, appeared in court shackled to a wheelchair, having been brought from Bellevue Hospital, where he was recovering from emergency heart and lung surgery. His attorney highlighted Weinstein's complex medical needs, stating that he is currently on 19 different medications, some of which require precise timing - a schedule that has been difficult to maintain while in custody.
The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg, indicated that they would not be ready for the tentatively scheduled November 12 retrial date due to the new charge. They suggested January as a more realistic timeframe, with a hearing set for October 2 to discuss scheduling.
Weinstein's deteriorating health has been a significant factor in his legal proceedings. He was seen leaving Bellevue Hospital handcuffed and shackled to a wheelchair, holding two books - "The Women" by Kristin Hannah and "Live by Night" by Dennis Lehane.
Aidala expressed uncertainty about whether Weinstein would return to Rikers Island or continue to be held at Bellevue, noting that a doctor had advised Weinstein to seek additional medical care upon leaving the hospital. The defense team emphasized Weinstein's desire for a swift trial, with Aidala stating: "Obviously, Mr. Weinstein wants to go to trial as soon as humanly possible."
Manhattan DA Bragg indicated that the investigation into Weinstein is ongoing and encouraged any other potential victims to come forward. Lindsay Goldbrum, the attorney representing the new accuser, stated that her client had not previously spoken publicly about her claims but would be prepared to testify at trial.
The new indictment adds complexity to Weinstein's legal situation as he faces retrial on his overturned 2020 conviction. The prosecution's request for a January trial date suggests that the new charge will likely impact the timeline and strategy of the upcoming proceedings.
Weinstein's legal team appears to be pushing for an expedited trial while also managing their client's significant health issues. The balance between Weinstein's medical needs and the court's proceedings remains a point of contention.
The case continues to draw significant attention as a focal point of the #MeToo movement, with each new development closely scrutinized by both legal observers and the public. The addition of a new charge and potential testimony from a previously unheard accuser could significantly impact the narrative surrounding Weinstein's alleged crimes.
Harvey Weinstein's not-guilty plea to a new sexual assault charge has added another layer to his complex legal situation. The disgraced producer faces an additional count of first-degree criminal sexual act for an alleged incident in 2006 while awaiting retrial on his overturned 2020 conviction. Weinstein's health issues continue to play a role in the proceedings, with his legal team emphasizing his medical needs and desire for a swift trial.
