Weinstein trial: defense requests acquittal even if "it's unpopular"

Text by: RFI Follow

In New York, the trial of former Hollywood tycoon Harvey Weinstein is coming to an end after 16 days of hearing. It was shortened because many people summoned by the defense refused to testify. Harvey Weinstein seemed to want to speak himself, then retracted, convinced by his lawyers that it was better to be quiet. Thursday, February 13, his lawyer presented his final arguments.

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As of Thursday, February 13, the Manhattan court was given a lengthy final argument from Donna Rotunno. The formidable and main lawyer of Harvey Weinstein did everything to plant in the minds of the twelve jurors the idea that, despite what they had heard, there remained a " reasonable doubt " to be able to accuse his client, reports our correspondent at New York , Carrie Nooten .

The latter, accused of rape and sexual assault by more than 80 women since October 2017 and the emergence of the #MeToo movement , is on trial in New York for two alleged assaults: rape of actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and a forced cunnilingus on ex-production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006. During the trial, four other accusers were able to testify characterizing Harvey Weinstein as a predator.

Rotunno attacks stories of two alleged victims

Armed with slides to better convince, lawyer Donna Rotunno first reminded the jurors, not without pressure, of the rules. Keeping in mind that the seven men and five women who will judge her client have followed the revelations of more than 80 women in the press, she reminds them that it is the unpopular defendants who need the most just juries.

Painting of lawyer Donna Rotunno pleading on behalf of her client Harveyt Weinstein on February 13, 2020. Jane Rosenberg / Reuters

For almost four and a half hours, Donna Rotunno told her version, in which the young women " used " the former Hollywood tycoon to get trips, VIP invitations or auditions. To destroy Mimi Haleyi's accusations, the lawyer tracked down the calendar inconsistencies, presenting them as lies. Finally, she castigated the testimony of Jessica Mann, who lived a tortured relationship with Harvey Weinstein. She had made shocking and moving revelations, but her story was contradicted several times on the stand.

Prosecutor's turn to respond to jury

“ Harvey Weinstein was innocent when he walked through this door. He was innocent when the witnesses began to testify. And he's innocent, sitting in front of you now. (…) You are called upon to make an unpopular decision. (…) Never let your emotions cloud your thinking. Use your New York common sense, it will lead you to the right answer, "said Donna Rotunno to the jury. The defense asks for the outright acquittal of the ex-producer.

Friday, February 14, it is the turn of the prosecutor, Joan Illuzzi-Orbon, to convince the jurors. The start of the deliberations is scheduled from Tuesday, February 18.

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