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A New York judge has denied Harvey Weinstein's request for a new trial, dismissing claims that jurors were pressured during deliberations. The former Hollywood producer was convicted of sexually assaulting Mimi Haley, a former production assistant on Project Runway, in 2006. Weinstein's defense argued that two jurors felt pressured to convict, but Judge Curtis Farber ruled that the court adequately addressed these complaints.
Weinstein's lawyers accused one juror of having a personal agenda and influencing others, which he claimed compromised the trial's fairness. Despite these allegations, Judge Farber found no basis to overturn the conviction.
"The Court's response to the jurors' complaints appropriately balanced the competing interests of investigating the allegations while avoiding any unnecessary taint of the deliberating jury," Judge Farber stated.
Weinstein's legal team has expressed disappointment with the decision.
Weinstein, who is 73, remains in custody at Rikers Island in New York City. He is also consulting with his attorneys regarding a retrial for the alleged 2013 rape of Jessica Mann, after a mistrial was declared when the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. The Manhattan district attorney's office has indicated plans to retry Weinstein on that charge.
The case against Weinstein is part of a broader series of allegations that surfaced during the #MeToo movement, which highlighted sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. Weinstein has consistently denied all charges against him. He is also appealing a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles.