Weinstein Conviction Upheld in California, Resentencing Ordered
A California appeals court has confirmed the 2022 conviction of Harvey Weinstein for rape and sexual assault, although it mandated a new sentencing due to the trial judge's improper consideration of overturned convictions from New York. The 2nd District Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed Weinstein's assertions of constitutional breaches, upholding the jury's guilty findings. Convicted in December 2022, the 74-year-old Weinstein was found guilty of raping Italian model Evgeniya Chernyshova at the 2013 LA Italia Film Festival. His defense sought a retrial, arguing that disallowed inquiries regarding Facebook messages could damage Chernyshova's reliability. Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein's spokesperson, announced plans to appeal to the California Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Chernyshova's attorney, David Ring, expressed gratitude to prosecutors for ensuring Weinstein's incarceration.
Key facts
- California appeals court upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction.
- The court ordered resentencing because the trial judge considered overturned New York convictions.
- The three-judge panel from California's 2nd District Court of Appeal unanimously rejected Weinstein's appeal.
- Weinstein was convicted in December 2022 of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault against Evgeniya Chernyshova.
- The assault occurred during the 2013 LA Italia Film Festival.
- Weinstein's defense argued the judge improperly barred questions about Facebook messages with Pascal Vicedomini.
- The appeals court found the rape shield law applied and Weinstein was not denied his right to present a defense.
- Weinstein remains convicted of a sexual felony in New York and faces sentencing in September 2025.
- New York prosecutors dropped a separate #MeToo case against Weinstein the day before the California ruling.
- Weinstein's spokesperson said they will seek review in the California Supreme Court.
Entities
Artists
- Harvey Weinstein
- Evgeniya Chernyshova
- Pascal Vicedomini
Institutions
- California 2nd District Court of Appeal
- Los Angeles Superior Court
- Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
- Associated Press
- New York Post
Locations
- Los Angeles
- California
- New York
- Italy