Harvey Weinstein Convicted on One Count of Rape In New York Retrial

With the Diddy sex trafficking trial receiving far more media coverage, it was easy to forget that jury deliberations in Harvey Weinstein’s New York retrial began last Thursday.

Moments ago, the jurors reached their verdict, and as expected, vindication continues to elude the disgraced film producer.

Weinstein pled not guilty to two counts of criminal sex act and one count of rape, but the jury just convicted him on the rape charge.

The retrial was a result of a conviction in New York that was overturned on a technicality. Of course, the stakes weren’t all that high, as Weinstein had also been convicted on rape charges in California, and he is currently serving two sentences consecutively.

So even if this new jury decided in his favor, the 73-year-old was likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

In effect, a not guilty verdict would’ve done little aside from aiding the disgraced mogul’s efforts to restore his reputation.

So perhaps it’s not surprising that as soon as the courtroom portion of the trial came to an end, Weinstein shifted his focus to the court of public opinion.

Harvey Weinstein grants rare interview, continues to deny any wrongdoing

Speaking with Good Day New York from his jail cell, Weinstein maintained — as he has for years — that he’s the victim of a calculated witch hunt.

He admits that he “acted immorally,” but denies any criminal wrongdoing.

“I have regrets that I put my family through this, that I put my wife through this, and I acted immorally,” Weinstein told the outlet.

“I put so many friends through this and hurt people that were close to me by actions that were stupid, you know what I mean? But never illegal, never criminal, never anything.”

Asked why so many accusers would speak out against him if he were truly innocent, the former head of Miramax quoted his attorney:

“I think Arthur said they had 4 million reasons to testify, as in dollars,” Weinstein said, referring to his lawyer Arthur Aidala.

Asked why he didn’t take the stand himself, Weinstein stated that he “wanted to,” but Aidala “said to me that the jury was very feeling strongly, that the jury understood our case and would be sympathetic to our case, and that the DA would try to rip me apart if I took the stand.”

“I’m not afraid of the DA, but this was the best advice and this is the advice you often hear: don’t take the stand if you don’t have to,” he added.

Following five weeks of testimony, jurors concluded their deliberations last week, taking longer than expected to affirm Weinstein’s rape charge.

They are expected to reach a verdict early next week.

We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.

Harvey Weinstein Convicted on One Count of Rape In New York Retrial was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.