LOWER MANHATTAN — Harvey Weinstein appeared in Manhattan criminal court on Tuesday. Prosecutors accused him of raping more women, adding to existing Harvey Weinstein charges. #HarveyWeinsteinCharges
Prosecutors told Judge Curtis Farber they are still evaluating new allegations. These may affect the ongoing Harvey Weinstein charges. They plan to present at least one allegation to a grand jury.
“We believe the defendant forcibly raped and sexually abused women in Manhattan that fall within the statute of limitations,” Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg said. “There were women in 2020 who were not ready to proceed with the legal process. They are now ready.”
Blumberg declined to give Farber a timeline for a decision on new charges, but said she would be ready for a new trial this fall. #HarveyWeinsteinCharges
Weinstein has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, and his attorneys have expressed skepticism about any new accusers.
Defense attorney Arthur Aidala accused prosecutors of using delay tactics.
“They have a defendant, and now they’re out there looking for a crime,” Aidala said. “They’re out there with a hotline: 1-800-Get-Harvey.”
Prosecutors disputed this characterization by the defense.
“There’s certainly no delay tactic in the people’s case,” Blumberg said. “There were a number of women who came forward to indicate they were raped by the defendant.”
Weinstein, who wore a suit and tie with his head closely shaved, entered court in a wheelchair pushed by court officers. #HarveyWeinsteinCharges
Aidala said Weinstein has fluid in his lungs and heart, as well as issues with his spine and vision. His diabetes is “going through the roof” while he remains incarcerated, he added.
“He’s a sick man,” Aidala said. “He’s got little kids and he wants to get out.”
