April 22, (THEWILL) — Disgraced Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein, is back in court in New York as his rape case is being retried for a third time.
The trial resumed on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, following opening statements on Tuesday. It focuses on a single charge of third-degree rape involving actress Jessica Mann in 2013.
Prosecutors told the jury that Weinstein used his power in Hollywood to control and manipulate women. They said he targeted vulnerable women trying to build careers in the film industry.
The defence denied the allegations, saying the encounter was consensual and pointing to messages and continued contact between Weinstein and Mann after the alleged incident.
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty.
The case previously ended in a mistrial in 2025 after jurors could not reach a verdict. It is now being retried before Justice Curtis Farber and is expected to last about one month.
Weinstein, once one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures, co-founded Miramax Films and produced major films, including “Good Will Hunting”, “Pulp Fiction” and “Shakespeare in Love.”
He has faced several sexual misconduct cases since 2017, with convictions in both New York and California. In 2024, New York’s highest court overturned his 2020 conviction, ruling that improper “prejudicial” testimony had been allowed, leading to a retrial.
Weinstein is also reported to be in poor health. His legal team says he is in “critical” condition, suffering from leukemia, heart and lung problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal issues, and severe vision loss. He is wheelchair-bound.
His lawyers have asked for him to be moved from Rikers Island to a hospital, citing worsening health, including fluid buildup and an infection they say is not being properly treated.
He remains in custody due to other convictions while legal proceedings continue.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
