Nine jurors were selected on the second day of Harvey Weinstein’s #MeToo rape retrial jury selection in New York City. Meanwhile, Weinstein’s attorneys requested that he be allowed to spend his nights at a local hospital due to his health issues rather than in jail for the trial’s duration. The chosen jurors, consisting of five women and four men, were selected from a pool of 25 candidates after being questioned about their impartiality by both the prosecution and defense teams. Jury selection will continue with a new group of around 80 potential jurors on Thursday.
Judge Curtis Farber stated that a total of 12 jurors and six alternates will be chosen for the trial. Weinstein, 73, appeared in court in a wheelchair and observed the prospective jurors as they were questioned about various topics, including their thoughts on the #MeToo movement. One potential juror, an investment banker, expressed his inability to be fair due to his negative opinion of Weinstein.
Weinstein’s legal team argued for his relocation from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital, citing his deteriorating health conditions worsened by his current jail environment. They raised concerns about his various health issues and the inadequate medical treatment he has received at Rikers, which has led to serious health complications. Farber has yet to make a decision on the transfer request.
Weinstein is facing a new trial in the courtroom for further questioning, following a recent decision by New York’s highest court to overturn his previous conviction and prison sentence. The Court of Appeals cited improper rulings and prejudicial testimony in the original trial, leading to the order for a retrial. In the current case, Weinstein is being tried on two charges from his initial trial – one involving the alleged rape of an aspiring actor in 2013 and another for a criminal sex act against a production assistant in 2006. Additionally, he faces a new charge of criminal sex act based on an accusation from a woman not involved in the original trial, who claims Weinstein forced oral sex on her at a Manhattan hotel. Weinstein maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges and denying any allegations of rape or sexual assault.
