Overview

• Opening statements in Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault retrial began Wednesday in Manhattan, with a jury comprising seven women and five men.
• Weinstein, 73, faces one rape charge and two criminal sexual act charges stemming from accusations by three women, including one not involved in the original trial.
• The retrial follows the New York Court of Appeals' 2024 decision to overturn Weinstein's 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence due to improper testimony and rulings.
• Prosecutors allege Weinstein used his power in Hollywood to coerce and assault women, while the defense argues for a fair trial free from prejudicial narratives.
• Weinstein, who remains in custody and pleads not guilty, is also appealing a separate 2022 rape conviction in Los Angeles, where he was sentenced to 16 years.