Harvey Weinstein trial set to finish early
Lawyers could deliver closing arguments within days
Harvey Weinstein is calling more defence witnesses as his trial appears set for an early conclusion.
The trial, which began on January 6, was originally predicted to last up to two months, but it now seems that lawyers could deliver their closing arguments as soon as this week, as the case proceeds swiftly.
What did the prosecution say?
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Prosecutors rested their case last Thursday after jurors heard testimony from six women accusing Weinstein of sexual assault, including Haley and Annabella Sciorra, who said Weinstein raped her in her home in the early 1990s.
NPR has produced a detailed, harrowing, summary of the prosecution case, including the testimony of Sciorra.
What was the defence’s case?
The case for the defence began by calling Paul Feldsher, once a close friend of Sciorra, who testified that Sciorra told him she had done a “crazy thing with Harvey” but gave no indication that it was non-consensual.
Page Six says that Feldsher “crashed and burned” and seemed “flustered” during his testimony.
Weinstein’s team has also drawn testimony from Elizabeth Loftus, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, who testified that memories could be distorted over time.
What happens next?
At the opening of the trial, prosecutor Meghan Hast claimed that Weinstein was a “seasoned” sexual predator for whom vulnerable actresses were prey.
She added that “at the end of this trial the evidence will be clear that the man seated right there was not a titan in Hollywood, he was a rapist”. Now, it seems, that end will come sooner than expected.
The stakes are high. Reuters says Weinstein’s trial is a “key moment in the #MeToo movement in which women have accused powerful men in business, entertainment, media and politics of sexual misconduct”.
The Times of India says that many of Weinstein’s accusers are following the case with mixed emotions: “Hope, that Weinstein will be punished; fear, that he could be acquitted and regain his kingpin status in the movie business”.
Weinstein faces life in prison if convicted of predatory sexual assault, the most serious charge against him.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'In short, the good economic news is real'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - October 8, 2024
Cartoons Tuesday's cartoons - double whammy weather, high stakes voters, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Humans are near peak life expectancy, study finds
Speed Read Unless there is a transformative breakthrough in medical science, people on average will reach the age of 87
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Weinstein's appeal: a blow to #MeToo
Talking Points Is 'shocking' reversal of symbolic conviction a sign of weakening movement?
By The Week UK Published
-
The #MeToo movements around the world
The Explainer French men have been sharing stories of abuse in the latest calling out of sexual assault and harassment
By The Week Staff Published
-
Russell Brand: trial by media?
Comedian denies accusations of sexual assault and rape in joint media investigation
By The Week Staff Published
-
Los Angeles jury convicts Harvey Weinstein on 3 rape, sexual assault charges
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
What we know about the Copenhagen mall shooting
Speed Read Lone gunman had mental health issues and not thought to have terror motive, police say
By The Week Staff Published
-
Texas school shooting: parents turn anger on police
Speed Read Officers had to be urged to enter building where gunman killed 21 people
By The Week Staff Published
-
DJ Tim Westwood denies multiple sexual misconduct allegations
Speed Read At least seven women accuse the radio and TV presenter of predatory behaviour dating back three decades
By The Week Staff Published
-
What happened to Katie Kenyon?
Speed Read Man charged as police search for missing 33-year-old last seen getting into van
By The Week Staff Last updated