Washington [US], May 30 : The Harvey Weinstein case continues to reverberate through legal circles as prosecutors hint at the possibility of issuing a new indictment against the disgraced former movie mogul.
Recent developments suggest that more women may be prepared to step forward with allegations against Weinstein, potentially reshaping the trajectory of his legal battles, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
As per the report by The Hollywood Reporter, Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg revealed this possibility during a session at New York criminal court, noting, "Some people who were not ready to speak out in 2020 now appear ready to do so in 2024."
Blumberg emphasized the need for a July 9 hearing to facilitate discovery and compliance in light of these potential developments.
The spectre of additional accusers prompted Blumberg to petition Judge Curtis Farber to urge Weinstein's defence counsel to refrain from making public statements about witnesses.
This plea stems from concerns that such actions might deter new claimants from coming forward. Notably, Weinstein's attorney, Arthur Aidala, had previously held a press conference outside the courtroom, sparking controversy over his remarks regarding witness statements.
Weinstein, present in court and confined to a wheelchair, listened as Aidala acknowledged the delicate balance between advocacy and ethical obligations, pledging not to overstep boundaries in the future.
Judge Farber, meanwhile, admonished both parties against pandering to the media.
The legal saga surrounding Weinstein gained fresh momentum after the New York State Court of Appeals overturned his previous rape conviction, citing prejudicial judicial rulings. Despite this setback, prosecutors reiterated their intent to retry the case swiftly, emphasizing its strength.
Amid ongoing legal manoeuvring, Weinstein's physical health remains a concern, with Aidala highlighting his client's "very, very serious medical issues." However, Weinstein's mental acuity remains sharp, according to his legal team, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.
The presence of key figures from previous proceedings, such as accusers Jessica Mann and Miriam Haley, underscores the gravity of the situation.
Mann's steadfast commitment to seeking justice was evident during the recent hearing, while Haley's attorney, Gloria Allred, stood in solidarity with her client.
Weinstein's legal woes extend beyond New York, as evidenced by his prior conviction in Los Angeles. Despite a 16-year prison sentence, Weinstein's attorneys there are exploring avenues for appeal, particularly in light of developments in the New York case.
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