Weinstein Retrial: A Dark Legacy Under Scrutiny Again

Harvey Weinstein's retrial in Manhattan has reached its final stages, with prosecutors urging the jury to convict the disgraced movie mogul of rape and sexual assault. Accusations against Weinstein detail how he allegedly wielded his Hollywood influence to abuse women, a claim the defense vehemently denies.

Prosecutor Nicole Blumberg portrayed Weinstein as a serial offender, contrasting his Hollywood achievements with the alleged misuse of power to lure women into private settings for assaults. Weinstein, present in court, has maintained his not guilty plea, asserting all sexual encounters were consensual.

The retrial follows the 2024 reversal of Weinstein's first conviction, linked to judicial errors. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala highlighted inconsistencies in the accusers' testimonies, arguing for his client's innocence. Despite facing a potential additional sentence, Weinstein is already serving time for a previous California conviction.

(With inputs from agencies.)