Harvey Weinstein Faces New Indictment in New York

Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood producer, has been indicted on new charges in New York City, according to recent announcements by prosecutors. The specifics of the indictment remain confidential until Weinstein’s court appearance scheduled for September 18.

Although details are limited, reports from multiple U.S. media outlets, including CBS News, suggest that the new charges are related to sex crime allegations. During a recent court hearing, Manhattan prosecutors disclosed that they possess evidence of up to three additional allegations against Weinstein, dating back to 2005. Nicole Blumberg, a prosecutor in New York, stated that several accusers are prepared to testify against Weinstein, as reported by Time.

Outside the courtroom, Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, expressed uncertainty regarding the new charges. “We don’t know anything. We don’t know what the exact accusations are,” Aidala said. “We know literally as much as you do,” he added, according to magazine reports.

Weinstein, 72, was recently admitted to a New York hospital for emergency heart surgery. As a result, the judge overseeing his case has ordered that he remain in a prison hospital for the time being. Aidala informed the court that Weinstein’s condition was critical, stating that he “almost died,” as reported by CBS News.

The BBC has reached out to Weinstein’s legal team for further comment on the latest developments.

Currently, Weinstein is awaiting a retrial in New York City. His 2020 conviction for rape and sexual assault was overturned by an appeals court, which ruled that the original trial judge had improperly allowed evidence related to allegations not included in the case. The retrial is slated to begin in November, though it remains unclear whether the new charges will be incorporated into this trial or addressed separately.

Following the conclusion of his legal proceedings in New York, Weinstein is expected to return to California to serve a 16-year sentence for a separate rape conviction, which he is also appealing.

Weinstein faces more than 100 allegations of sexual misconduct and rape spanning from the 1970s to recent years. Throughout these proceedings, he has consistently maintained his innocence.

Before his dramatic fall from grace, Weinstein was a prominent figure in the film industry, co-founding Miramax, a studio renowned for producing acclaimed films such as Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love.