Why Harvey Weinstein's New York rape conviction was tossed
NEW YORK (AP) — The decision by New York’s highest court to overturn the rape conviction of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has reopened a painful chapter in America’s reckoning with sexual misconduct by powerful figures — an era that began in 2017 and helped launch the #MeToo movement.
Here’s what you need to know about why Weinstein’s rape conviction was thrown out and what happens next:
WHY WAS THE CONVICTION TOSSED?
New York’s Court of Appeals found the trial judge in the rape case prejudiced Weinstein with “egregious” improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that Weinstein wasn’t charged with.
In its 4-3 decision, the court’s majority said it was an “abuse of judicial discretion” for Judge James Burke to allow testimony from these other women about “loathsome alleged bad acts and despicable behavior.”
“Without question, this is appalling, shameful, repulsive conduct that could only diminish defendant’s character before the jury,” they said.
Related articles
Penske suspends Cindric, 3 others ahead of the Indianapolis 500
Roger Penske on Tuesday said he has suspended the president of Team Penske along with three others f2024-05-08Gisele Bundchen's former Manhattan townhouse is back on the market for a whopping $17 million
Gisele Bundchen’s former Manhattan townhouse is back on the market, nearly 15 years after she sold t2024-05-08Brad Pitt's girlfriend Ines De Ramon takes a stroll with male pal in LA
Brad Pitt's girlfriend Ines De Ramon was spotted going on a stroll with a male pal on Monday.The jew2024-05-08Drury, Noesen help Hurricanes beat Islanders 6
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Jack Drury scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and Stefan Noesen2024-05-08Murder trial opens in death of Detroit
DETROIT (AP) — A man who dropped a Detroit-area teenager’s body in a dumpster “left behind a trail o2024-05-08- NEW YORK (AP) — The pro-Palestinian demonstration that paralyzed Columbia University ended in dramat2024-05-08
atest comment