Former American filmmaker harvey weinstein He refused to testify in Monday’s trial. sexual assault Y breach He is currently facing off in Los Angeles, as revealed by his attorney, Mark Werksman.
The process, which started on October 10, resumed after a week’s holiday due to Thanksgiving.
Judge Lisa B. Lench in the courtroom He advised Weinstein that he had the right to testify and take the stand and not do so..
According to Variety magazine, Weinstein decided not to testify because tNor did he during the hearing held in 2020. new YorkHe was sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexual assault and rape.
The producer of films like ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’ (2003) or ‘The Aviator’ (2004) faces seven charges, five of which are sexual assault and two of which are rape, stemming from the four women’s charges.
If found guilty in all respects, Weinstein, who was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2020, could face another 60 years in prison.and if he is acquitted, he should continue to serve his current sentence in prison.
But the legal team is trying to appeal the main sentence before the New York Court of Appeals, an institution that has agreed to review the case and can revoke, amend, or uphold the sentence.
At the beginning of this second trial, which is expected to end in December, Weinstein has faced charges 11 times by five women that would cost him 140 years in prison if continued..
However, on November 15, the prosecutor’s office said that it would not consider the testimony of one of the victims, therefore four charges droppedtwo from rape, which significantly reduced the possible punishment.
Witnesses testifying at this second trial include film producer Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who accused the producer of raping her in 2005.
it starts this mondaythe defense will begin to present the caseand the producing team commented that they hope to rest on Wednesday.
Weinstein’s conviction in New York in 2020 was a major victory for the #MeToo movement in its feminist struggle against sexual harassment and assault.
In total, more than 80 women accused the former producer of sexual crimes and misconduct.