The highest court in New York has overturned the rape conviction of movie producer Harvey Weinstein. In a 4-3 decision, the New York Court of Appeals ruled that the trial judge made an error by allowing testimony about uncharged sexual acts involving other individuals, which unfairly prejudiced the case against Weinstein.
The court stated that this testimony served no relevant purpose and portrayed Weinstein in a biased light.
Weinstein, aged 72, was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and prosecutors accused him of using his power to exploit aspiring female actors for sexual purposes.
They argued that Weinstein offered career opportunities in exchange for sexual favors, a practice they claimed was common knowledge within the film industry. While prosecutors contended that testimony from additional women reflected Weinstein's intent to use forceful coercion, the court's majority opinion criticized this as undermining the principle of excluding evidence based solely on propensity.
Despite the overturning of his conviction, Weinstein remains incarcerated, with the possibility of facing a retrial by the Manhattan district attorney's office. Additionally, he has been convicted of sex offenses in Los Angeles and is serving a 16-year sentence there.
Pic credit :People
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