Reasons why New York Supreme Court overturned Weinstein’s sexual assault conviction revealed | International | CTWANT

Harvey Weinstein. (Photo/Dazhi/Associated Press)

New York’s Supreme Court on Thursday threw out Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, arguing that the trial judge unfairly allowed testimony against him based on allegations that were not part of the case. The ruling disappointed many women’s groups.

According to a report from the Associated Press, the New York Court of Appeals on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 23-year prison sentence in a 4-3 decision on the grounds that the trial court erred in accepting the case without charge. , alleged testimony of previous sexual intercourse, which was “highly prejudicial” and “an abuse of judicial discretion.”

In the lead opinion written by Judge Jenny Rivera, she stated that “defendants are entitled to be held liable only for the alleged criminal conduct and, therefore, allegations of past bad behavior may not be admitted solely for the purpose of proving their guilt.” .

MeToo movement advocates noted that Thursday’s ruling was based on legal technicalities and did not exonerate Harvey Weinstein’s actions. MeToo campaign advocates stressed that the initial trial would not reverse attitudes about sexual assault.

Harvey Weinstein, 72, forced oral sex on former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006, and raped and sexually assaulted actress Jessica Mann in 2013. However, the latest ruling does not affect Harvey Weinstein’s continued stay in prison because he was convicted of another rape in Los Angeles in 2022 and received a 16-year sentence.

The report pointed out that the reversal of Harvey Weinstein’s conviction was the second major setback for the MeToo movement in the past two years, recalling that the veteran American comedy star “The Genius Daddy” Bill. Bill Cosby was charged with rape, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled to overturn the guilty verdict.

“CTWANT” reminds you: If you or others suffer physical or mental abuse, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, please call 110 to report the crime and then call 113 to find a social worker.