Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood mogul, will remain in New York custody as he awaits a retrial on sexual assault charges in Manhattan. The retrial, which is tentatively scheduled for November, follows the overturning of his 2020 conviction by the state’s highest court. The court ruled that the original trial’s judge improperly allowed testimony based on allegations not included in the case.
After the New York case concludes, Weinstein will be extradited to California to serve his sentence for a separate rape conviction. This decision was confirmed by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, who stated that Weinstein will serve the California sentence first as it is now his primary sentence.
Weinstein made a brief court appearance in Queens yesterday, where he was arraigned on a governor’s warrant issued by Governor Kathy Hochul. During the appearance, his lawyers agreed that he would remain at the Rikers Island jail complex. This decision was made due to his recent hospitalization for health issues, including COVID-19 and pneumonia.
Prosecutors in Manhattan have announced their intention to bring new sexual assault charges against Weinstein, although they have not provided specifics or a timeline. Meanwhile, Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, has suggested that the talk of new accusers raises questions about the strength of the current case.
Weinstein, who has consistently denied all accusations of rape and sexual assault, was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 while already serving a 23-year sentence in New York. The extradition matter is being handled in Queens, rather than Manhattan, due to its proximity to Rikers Island.
