New York — Harvey Weinstein acknowledged his “immoral” behavior while insisting that he committed no criminal acts as jurors in his sex crimes retrial paused deliberations for the weekend. Jurors indicated they would require additional time to reach a verdict following two days of discussions.
Weinstein is facing trial once more after a New York state appeals court overturned his 2020 convictions due to procedural irregularities. His initial 23-year prison sentence was nullified, but he remains incarcerated on separate charges.
In an interview with FOX5 aired on Friday, Weinstein said, “I have regrets that I put my family through this, that I put my wife through this, and I acted immorally…, but never illegal, never criminal, never anything.” Despite not taking the witness stand, his remarks came amid the jury’s consideration of six weeks of testimony.
His attorney, Arthur Aidala, pointed to financial motivations behind the testimonies of three women who accused Weinstein of misconduct. The jury had already been instructed by Judge Curtis Farber, who called for a standard of “common sense” in their deliberations and reminded them of Weinstein’s presumption of innocence.
As deliberations resumed, jurors listened to a recount of emotionally charged testimony from Weinstein’s former assistant, Miriam Haley. They have to determine whether Weinstein is guilty of sexual assault against Haley and former model Kaja Sokola in 2006, as well as the rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013.
One juror expressed concern about dynamics within the panel, alleging some jurors were treating each other poorly and that he felt ostracized. He requested to resign, but the judge declined his request. Aidala sought a mistrial as tensions mounted, a motion the judge also denied, allowing the jury to continue their work.
Prosecutor Nicole Blumberg underscored the evidence presented by the three alleged victims, emphasizing that all unequivocally stated “no” during their encounters with Weinstein. She argued that his position of power afforded him control over the women, urging jurors to hold him accountable for his actions.
The defense maintained that the interactions were consensual, reflecting a “casting couch” culture in the industry. Weinstein, known for producing acclaimed films like “Pulp Fiction” and “Shakespeare in Love,” has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Since the start of the retrial on April 15 in a Manhattan courtroom, the former producer has faced renewed scrutiny. He is already serving a 16-year sentence for a separate conviction in California involving the rape and assault of a European actress over a decade ago.
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