A judge has tentatively set Harvey Weinstein’s retrial on rape and sexual assault charges for November 12. The former Hollywood movie mogul appeared in court in Manhattan on Friday, wearing an American flag pin on his jacket.
The brief hearing addressed issues related to evidence in the case, including information from phones that will be reviewed by a former judge to determine relevance. Prosecutors stated they are still pursuing new claims against Weinstein, but have not yet brought any findings to a grand jury.
Weinstein denies all allegations of sexual assault. His lawyers requested an earlier trial date, citing his eagerness to prove his innocence. “He is anxious to go to trial and prove his innocence,” said attorney Diana Fabi Samson.
Weinstein, 72, is currently jailed on Rikers Island, where his lawyers claim he is not receiving proper medical care for various health issues. The defense requested that Weinstein be moved to Manhattan’s Bellevue Hospital for proper medical attention before the trial.
The retrial comes after Weinstein’s 2020 conviction was thrown out by an appeals court, citing unfair testimony. He remains jailed due to a 16-year prison sentence in California for a separate rape case, which his lawyers are appealing.
The New York conviction was considered a landmark in the #MeToo movement, with Weinstein accused of raping an aspiring actress and forcing himself on a TV and film production assistant in 2006. Prosecutors confirmed that one accuser, Jessica Mann, is prepared to testify again, while the other accuser, Mimi Haley, has not yet decided.
