- Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein is back in court
- There is controversy over his assault conviction
- THIS is the scoop
With a slew of accusers' testimonies under scrutiny and legal precedents questioned, the stage is set for a judicial bombshell. In a courtroom drama fit for the silver screen, Harvey Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala (Attorney), delivered a fiery plea to the New York Court of Appeals, demanding justice for the fallen film titan.
Weinstein (69, former Hollywood producer) is serving a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault, but his lawyer claims the trial was a prejudiced parade of accusations!
"He's a Bad Guy"
Aidala slammed the trial judge's decision to let three "Molineux" witnesses testify about assaults not charged, painting Weinstein as a perpetual predator. "This is major prejudice," Aidala exclaimed, arguing that the court's portrayal of Weinstein as "a bad guy" repeatedly skewed the jury's view.
If Weinstein had dared to testify, prosecutors planned to unleash a barrage of 28 additional allegations, including an incident where Weinstein allegedly hurled a table of food at an employee and issued gruesome threats. "How is this a fair trial?" Aidala questioned, as Weinstein was "begging to tell his side of the story."
Associate Justice Betsy Barros and Judge Jenny Rivera echoed concerns about the fairness of the trial, questioning the necessity of the Molineux witnesses and suggesting the century-old precedent might need a "rethinking." Meanwhile, Steven Wu (chief of appeals) defended their use, arguing they showed Weinstein's disregard for consent.
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She wants payback
Direct order from the Queen
Despite the judges' probing questions, their track record of upholding the conviction in a unanimous vote last June leaves the outcome uncertain. Yet, Aidala remains "cautiously optimistic," banking on the possibility that Weinstein's conviction might be overturned.
