Harvey Weinstein faces retrial in New York on rape charge as jury selection begins

Lead

Harvey Weinstein's retrial on a rape charge in New York City began on Tuesday, with jury selection getting underway in a case that has become a touchstone of the #MeToo movement. The former Hollywood producer, who has already been convicted of other sex offenses, will remain behind bars regardless of the outcome of this trial, according to multiple reports.

Coverage comparison

Coverage of the trial's opening has been consistent across outlets, with reports from ABC Australia, the South China Morning Post, and The Hindu all confirming that jury selection started on Tuesday. The retrial follows a mistrial declared last June when the jury foreman refused to return to deliberate amid a jury-room feud, as reported by both the South China Morning Post and ABC Australia.

Prosecutors have centered their case on a single charge of third-degree rape involving Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and aspiring actress who accused Weinstein of assaulting her in a Manhattan hotel in 2013. ABC Australia noted that Weinstein's new lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, took over the case in February, after longtime attorney Arthur Aidala stepped aside to focus on appeals and civil matters.

Key claims

• The retrial began Tuesday: Multiple outlets reported that jury selection started on Tuesday, with the process expected to take several days.
• Weinstein remains imprisoned regardless: Reports from several sources confirm that Weinstein is already serving time for other sex offenses, meaning the verdict in this case will not affect his imprisonment.
• Prosecutors frame case around power and control: Assistant District Attorney Candace White told jurors, "This case will come down to power, to control and manipulation," according to reports from The Hindu and the South China Morning Post.
• Mistrial in June: The prior trial ended in a mistrial after the jury foreman refused to deliberate, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
• Weinstein denies all accusations: ABC Australia reports that Weinstein has said he "acted wrongly, but I never assaulted anyone."

Perspectives

Prosecution perspective: As articulated by Assistant District Attorney Candace White, the case centers on the abuse of power, with Weinstein accused of using his Hollywood influence to prey on Mann. The retrial is seen as a bellwether for the #MeToo era's legal aftermath.

Defense perspective: Weinstein's spokesman Juda Engelmayer said before the hearing that Weinstein "is hopeful and expects a fair process where the facts will vindicate him," as reported by the South China Morning Post. The defense has also sought delays, with Judge Curtis Farber noting that the defense had attempted to postpone the trial.

Judicial context: The judge has indicated that some rulings about evidence may be revisited, and the change in defense counsel could shift trial tactics, according to ABC Australia's reporting.