Weinstein did not intend to take the stand and noted that his own choice did not testify.
Harvey Weinstein chose to testify in his own defense, a long-awaited end result as his Los Angeles trial for the rape and sexual assault of several accusers, who gave hours of grueling testimony over nearly two months, comes to an end.
Weinstein did not speak at his 2020 trial in New York, where he is serving a 23-year sentence. the attack trials that occurred in October, Kevin Spacey and Paul Haggis all defended themselves on the stand; Spacey successfully, Haggis not so much.
Judge Lisa B. Lench made it clear that she sought out Weinstein on record saying he was aware of his rights: “I want you to understand that you have the absolute right to testify,” and also the right not to testify, the trial told Weinstein, asking him to acknowledge his perception.
“Yes,” Weinstein replied, who would be his word on the record in this trial, as well as saying “Good morning everyone” last month to a room full of dozens of potential jurors.
The defense on Monday began calling the first of six scheduled witnesses, an organization that includes an expert, an FBI agent, a hotel manager and others, primarily to authenticate records or dispute deadlines. Defense attorney Mark Werksman said he expects to conclude that proceeding by Wednesday. Meaning closing arguments can barely begin, and jurors will win the case later this week.
Just down the hall and across the hall, the jury in the burglar-rape case against “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson began new deliberations after two jurors were excused. Construction of the Angeles courthouse since the beginning of October.
Weinstein faces seven counts of sexual assault following allegations ranging from 2004 to 2013. Weinstein could face up to 140 years in prison if convicted.
He is already serving a 23-year sentence on a New York offender for first-degree offender sexual assault and third-degree rape, a conviction he has earned the right to appeal. years ago.