Harvey Weinstein is set to make a courtroom return in Manhattan on Wednesday, marking his first appearance since his rape conviction was overturned in 2020.
Last Thursday, the New York state Court of Appeals voted 4-3 to overturn Weinstein’s conviction, leading to his hospitalization for medical evaluations shortly after.
The disgraced film producer is scheduled to appear before Judge Curtis Farber at approximately 2:15 p.m.
The Court of Appeals determined that the judge overseeing Weinstein’s #MeToo trial had unfairly prejudiced him through improper rulings, notably allowing women to testify about allegations not directly relevant to the case.
According to the court, the “trial court erroneously admitted testimony of uncharged, alleged prior sexual acts,” which served no relevant non-propensity purpose. The court further criticized the decision to permit cross-examination on these allegations, labeling it as “egregious” and mandating a new trial.
Judge Jenny Rivera, representing the majority, deemed these errors significant. Conversely, Judge Anthony Cannataro, in his dissent, lamented the decision as a “step backwards.”
The reversal drew shock and disappointment from many of Weinstein’s accusers, with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announcing plans for a retrial.
Weinstein, 72, had been serving a 23-year sentence at Mohawk Correctional Facility after convictions for forcible oral sex in 2006 and third-degree rape in 2013.
Following the conviction’s overturning, Weinstein was transferred to Rikers Island jail’s medical ward and later to Bellevue Hospital for further evaluation due to health concerns, according to his attorney, Arthur Aidala. Reports suggest Weinstein faces numerous physical ailments, including issues with mobility and cardiac health.
Weinstein faced another conviction in Los Angeles in 2022, where he was sentenced to 16 years for rape and acquitted of sexual battery. Plans for a potential extradition to California are currently under consideration as his legal team appeals the case.