The disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is heading back to court. A New York judge declared a mistrial today in his rape and sexual assault case, citing a deadlocked jury. Sources confirm the prosecution will seek a third trial.
The jury deliberated for over 10 days but could not reach a unanimous verdict on the charges involving two accusers. Weinstein already faces a 23-year sentence in Los Angeles for similar crimes, but this New York case was seen as a litmus test for the #MeToo movement's legal legacy. The courtroom was tense as the judge announced the mistrial.
Weinstein, visibly frail, was wheeled out in a wheelchair. His lawyer Tomoko Ozawa told reporters: "We are disappointed.
Mr. Weinstein maintains his innocence." But the Manhattan District Attorney's office isn't walking away.
A spokesman said: "We will retry this case. The victims deserve justice."
Uncovered court documents show that Weinstein's legal team had argued for a mistrial early on, citing juror bias. The prosecution countered that the evidence was overwhelming. The mistrial is a blow to the accusers who testified, but they have promised to fight on.
One accuser, speaking anonymously, told this reporter: "I will not be silenced. He is a predator."
The new trial date is expected to be set within weeks. The question now: can Weinstein's legal team find a way to outmanoeuvre the system one more time, or will his money and influence finally run out? This is far from over.
