Harvey Weinstein’s legal team is optimistic about overturning his Los Angeles rape conviction following the recent overturning of his New York sex crime conviction. Jennifer Bonjean, one of Weinstein’s attorneys, believes that the jury in the Los Angeles case assumed he was fairly convicted in New York, which was not the case when the New York conviction was overturned in 2020. She is hopeful that this new development will strengthen their appeal in the Los Angeles case.
Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in prison in February 2023 for raping an Italian model at a film festival in 2013. Despite maintaining his innocence, his request for a new trial was denied by LA Judge Lisa Lench. Bonjean criticized the trial as unfair, citing the use of “bad act evidence” similar to the New York trial where three women testified with allegations unrelated to the case at hand. She expressed optimism about the potential outcome of the California case.
The New York State Court of Appeals overturned Weinstein’s New York conviction, finding that Judge James Burke had made an error in his ruling. Bonjean praised this decision as the right thing to do and emphasized the importance of everyone receiving a fair trial, regardless of who they are. She stated that there is no exception to this rule, not even for someone like Harvey Weinstein.
Bonjean and her team have until May 20 to file an appeal brief outlining their arguments in the Los Angeles case. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. Despite the challenges they have faced, Weinstein’s legal team remains hopeful about their chances in the California case following the recent developments in the New York case.
Overall, the overturning of Harvey Weinstein’s New York sex crime conviction has given his legal team renewed optimism in their appeal of his Los Angeles rape conviction. Jennifer Bonjean and her team are working to review the California conviction, believing that the recent decision in the New York case will help strengthen their arguments. Despite facing challenges in both cases, they are committed to ensuring that Weinstein receives a fair trial and will continue to fight for his innocence. The New York State Court of Appeals’ decision has provided a glimmer of hope in the legal battle surrounding Weinstein’s cases, and the outcome of the California appeal remains to be seen.
