1st of 3 accusers takes stand at Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial in Manhattan

Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, described the connections between Weinstein and his three accusers as a “friends with benefits” arrangement. Weinstein was present in court on Tuesday as his rape retrial continued with crucial witness testimony. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, who took over the case, observed as Miriam Haley testified about an alleged incident in 2006 where Weinstein reportedly forced oral sex on her at his NYC apartment. Haley, the first of three accusers to testify, identified Weinstein in court as he sat across from her. Weinstein, now 73, faces a potential life sentence if convicted in this retrial following his 2020 convictions for rape and sexual assault. The testimony echoes that of the original trial five years ago when other women shared similar encounters with Weinstein. Weinstein, a key figure in the #MeToo movement, is also appealing a 2022 rape conviction and prison sentence. Last Tuesday, a jury was selected for the retrial, where Aidala characterized the relationships with the accusers as “friends with benefits.” Weinstein is currently at Bellevue Hospital under guard due to health concerns caused by his time at Rikers Island. He will remain at Bellevue for the trial, expected to last several weeks.