New York judge grants Weinstein appeal of rape and sexual assault conviction News
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New York judge grants Weinstein appeal of rape and sexual assault conviction

A New York court Wednesday granted ex-Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein the right to appeal his sex crimes conviction, according to NBC News. Weinstein was sentenced in March 2020 to 23 years prison on charges of third-degree rape and criminal sexual act in the first degree for sexually assaulting a former production assistant and raping another woman.

Weinstein initially appealed his conviction to the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division in April 2021. At the time, Weinstein argued the trial judge erred in denying Weinstein his constitutional right to an impartial jury. Weinstein’s criminal trial occurred in the midst of the #MeToo movement, which placed sexual misconduct at the center of public debate. The appellate judge ruled against Weinstein and upheld his conviction.

Weinstein’s attorney Arthur Aidala said of the decision, “We are hopeful the entire court will find that Mr. Weinstein did not receive a fair trial and reverse his conviction.” Weinstein also commented on the decision, reasserting his innocence.