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Harvey Weinstein Pleads Not Guilty to New Sex Assault Charge, Faces Possible Retrial Consolidation

Harvey Weinstein Pleads Not Guilty to New Sex Assault Charge, Faces Possible Retrial Consolidation
  • PublishedSeptember 19, 2024

Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced film producer, pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal sex act in the first degree, CNN reports.

The charge stems from an alleged assault in New York City between April 29, 2006 and May 6, 2006.

Weinstein, 72, appeared in court in a wheelchair, having recently undergone a heart and lung procedure. The indictment, initially sealed due to Weinstein’s health, was unsealed on Wednesday.

The alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe, intends to testify at trial, according to her attorney, Lindsay M. Goldbrum.

“She will be fully prepared to speak her truth at trial to hold Mr. Weinstein accountable before a jury of his peers,” Goldbrum said.

Prosecutors have requested to consolidate this new indictment with the upcoming retrial of the 2020 charges, for which Weinstein was previously convicted and sentenced to 23 years in prison. That conviction was overturned by the New York Court of Appeals in April. The retrial is scheduled for November 12.

Weinstein’s legal team opposes the consolidation, maintaining their readiness to defend against the original charges.

“We will vociferously and legally challenge any effort to defend this new charge until we fully understand it, can research and investigate the claim, and boldly defend Harvey against (it),” said Juda Engelmayer, a spokesperson for Weinstein.

Weinstein remains in prison while he appeals his 2022 conviction in Los Angeles, where he was sentenced to 16 years for three counts of sexual assault.

His next court appearance is scheduled for October 2.