Harvey Weinstein has already been sentenced to 23 years in prison in a previous trial, and many more decades could now follow. The ex-film mogul's trial in Los Angeles is about to end after several women testified against him.
The trial against Harvey Weinstein for sexual assault, which has been ongoing since the beginning of October, is in its final phase. The former film producer's defense concluded Wednesday (local time) in Los Angeles court, while the prosecution began its closing arguments. These remarks should be continued on Thursday (local time). The defense was then expected to speak before the case went to the jury for a verdict.
Prosecutor Marlene Martinez called Weinstein a "degenerate rapist" in her statement to the jury on Wednesday, journalists present at the court reported. He used his power to prey on women and act like a predator, Martinez said. Hotels have become a trap for his victims.
The trial ultimately revolved around seven charges, including rape and other sexual assaults, after one plaintiff left. It is about allegations by four women in a period from 2004 to 2013. Most of the attacks are said to have taken place in hotels in Beverly Hills.
Several women have taken the stand as witnesses in recent weeks, including Jennifer Siebel, wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. She described meeting Weinstein in a hotel in 2005, at which time she was not yet married. As an actress and producer, she wanted to talk about professional projects. According to her statement, she was raped by Weinstein.
With the trial in California, Weinstein was again on trial for sexual assault. A trial in New York ended in 2020 with a guilty verdict and a 23-year prison sentence. His legal team has appealed the verdict.
