The Harvey Weinstein Trial: Unfiltered

The New York Court of Appeals, overturned the Hollywood producer’s conviction for rape and sexual assault. But they only confirmed what we thought when we covered the Harvey Weinstein trial in 2020. On this bonus episode of The Harvey Weinstein Trial: Unfiltered you’ll hear in more detail why we were right all along. This was mob justice, this was politicized justice. This was the New York district attorney putting politics before the law. Sound familiar? We told you then you may not like Harvey Weinstein, but they’ll use the same tactics to go after you and the ones you love. That’s why we had to call out this miscarriage of justice when we saw it.

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On Wednesday the Harvey Weinstein trial finally came to a close as Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault.  Weinstein was convicted last month for sexually assaulting Mimi Haleyi and for raping Jessica Mann.  Before today's sentencing, Weinstein was facing up to 29 years in prison. The defense sought a small sentence of only five years and argued that Weinstein would be unable to survive in prison no longer than five years.  Additionally, the defense argued that Weinstein had already faced significant financial and personal losses due to the trial.  Weinstein will likely serve his sentence in Rikers Island jail in New York.

Listen to this exciting (and final) episode of the Weinstein Trial Unfiltered as Harvey Weinstein is sentenced to prison.

If you enjoyed this podcast series, please check out our weekly podcast called "The Ann & Phelim Scoop."  You can access the podcast here: https://anchor.fm/ap-scoop

On our weekly podcast we cover unreported stories, politics, culture, and current events.  You'll also meet our cats Top Cat and Scaredy Cat who were unable to join us in New York for the Weinstein Trial.  We hope you'll continue being an avid listener!  Thank you for making the The Harvey Weinstein Trial: Unfiltered a success - Ann & Phelim

Finally -  a verdict in the case against Harvey Weinstein. But first there was discussion about  a mysterious letter received by the court claiming serious jury misbehavior. Is it true? Was it a prank?  Then the  jury presented their verdict  to the court - Weinstein was found guilty on two counts: criminal sexual assault and rape in the third degree. He was found not guilty of predatory sexual assault and rape in the first degree, the more serious charges. Weinstein was then taken away in handcuffs to prison. He will be sentenced on March 11.

In this special episode of The Harvey Weinstein Trial: Unfiltered, we recap some of the recent developments as the jury decides on a verdict. The jury has said they are deadlocked on two of the charges. They have been deliberating for almost a week and the judge has sent them back to continue considering a verdict. They gave no indication what their verdict would be in the other three charges. We expect a verdict as soon as this afternoon. In this episode we clarify the complex charges against Weinstein. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution's case and what a possible verdict might look like.

It was supposed to be a quiet day in court but the day opened with a bang with the prosecution accusing the defense of witness tampering and the defense demanding a jury member be removed for bias and lying about their bias.

Then the jury began deliberating and started questioning the judge about his instructions. They also questioned the charges and combination of charges they are being asked to decide on. Has the judge helped tor added to their confusion? There were a lot of accusations flying and the judge put a media gag order on the defense. And then the jury left the room for the second time and we await the verdict.

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As there was no court on Monday - this special episode features an exclusive interview with Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, an expert witness for the Harvey Weinstein defense team. Dr. Loftus was recently scheduled to give a Distinguished Lecture at NYU, but the event was abruptly cancelled upon the announcement that she would testify for the defense.  This news came after NYU had purchased airline tickets.  According to Loftus, the plans had been in place for a long time. Dr. Loftus has asked several times but as yet no reason has been given for the cancellation. Dr. Loftus believes it is because she was expert witness for the Weinstein team. She discusses her disappointment with NYU's action as well as the importance of having free and open discussions on college campuses around the country.

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The prosecution lashes into Harvey Weinstein in their closing arguments. Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi-Osborn describes him as "Master of His Universe" with all the "hallmarks of a predator," 'The universe is run by me and they don't get to complain when they get stepped on, spit on, demoralized and, yes, raped and abused by me - the king," she said claiming this was Weinstein's thinking.  But has she produced enough evidence for the prosecution to find him guilty?  Listen to the podcast to make up your own mind.   The jury will decide soon.

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On Thursday the jury heard the defense's closing argument.  It lasted all day with attorney Donna Rotunno arguing that movie producer Harvey Weinstein is the target of a movement and that the jury is the last ling of defense against an overzealous media.  Rotunno argued that accuser Annabella Sciorra relabelled a "crazy" consensual encounter and become a part of a movement to boost her flagging career.  Rotunno also reminded the jury that Sciorra originally denied being attacked by Weinstein when she was asked by Ronan Farrow in 2017.  She also attacked the credibility of Jessica Mann, one of Weinstein's main accusers, saying that the former aspiring actress "reframes" her positive emails and interactions for the jury.  Rotunno further argued that in the emails between Mann and Weinstein, Weinstein showed himself to be a kind and caring friend to Mann.  She added that in all the email traffic between him and his accusers there is no suggestion that he assaulted any of the women - all the emails are friendly.

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The defense rested their case yesterday in the Harvey Weinstein trial. They did not put up the defense they promised as a number of witnesses failed to appear. It was a short but exciting day in court as it seemed that Harvey Weinstein wanted to testify and the court went into recess while Weinstein consulted with his attorneys.  Ultimately, they took the decision that he should not take the stand. A spokesman said Harvey Weinstein made the decision reluctantly. 

The last person to take the witness stand for the defense was Thomas Richards.  Richards is a friend of Jessica Mann who testified that Mann was friendly with Weinstein shortly a few hours after she says she was raped by him. Richards was staying with Mann in the hotel in New York where the alleged rape took place.  He testified Weinstein asked her to stay another night and she agreed with no indication that she was in distress at the time.