A prosecutor has urged a jury in Manhattan to find Harvey Weinstein guilty of rape and sexual assault during his retrial, arguing that the evidence demonstrates how the former film executive exploited his power and status to harm women.
Closing statements were made by both sides, with the jury set to begin deliberations shortly after.
Weinstein’s attorney claimed that the three women who accused him were lying on the stand, motivated by anger after their consensual interactions with Weinstein did not lead to the fame they desired in Hollywood.
Prosecutor Nicole Blumberg characterized Weinstein as a habitual predator who lured women with promises of career opportunities, only to then isolate and assault them in private situations. Weinstein has consistently denied any non-consensual sexual activity and has pleaded not guilty.
“The defendant capitalized on his power and influence to produce numerous award-winning films,” Blumberg stated.
“However, he also misused that very same power to trap and abuse women in secluded locations.”
Weinstein, who is 73, is facing trial in Manhattan again after a New York state appeals court overturned his previous conviction in April 2024.
Due to a range of health issues, Weinstein appeared in court in a wheelchair, dressed in a dark suit and tie.
He is accused of raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and sexually assaulting two other women in 2006 and 2002. The retrial began in April.
Defense attorney Arthur Aidala guided the 12 jurors through what he described as contradictions in the accusers’ testimonies and email evidence that he claimed weakened their allegations against Weinstein.
“They are not being truthful about parts of what happened. Not everything, but enough to twist their regret over not achieving fame into a crime,” Aidala said in reference to the accusers.
Aidala presented over a dozen large printouts of emails exchanged between Weinstein and the alleged victims, arguing that these communications indicated that their interactions were consensual.
Mann testified during the trial that Weinstein raped her in a hotel room.
If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 29 years in prison. Given his existing 16-year sentence for rape in California, he is likely to spend the rest of his life incarcerated.
Weinstein was found guilty of rape in his earlier trial in Manhattan in February 2020, but the New York Court of Appeals later overturned this conviction, citing judicial errors during the trial.
At the time of the conviction’s reversal, he was serving a 23-year sentence in a facility in upstate Rome, New York.
This previous conviction marked a significant moment for the #MeToo movement, which has encouraged many women to voice their experiences with sexual misconduct by influential men.
More than 100 women, including well-known actresses, have accused Weinstein of inappropriate behavior. He has denied any allegations of assault or non-consensual interactions.
