Weinstein ‘energised’ to overturn conviction
MOVIE mogul rapist Harvey Weinstein is “unbelievably energised” to fight his conviction, his lawyer has said.
The film producer’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, said the 67-year-old told him he “didn’t force himself on anybody”.
Weinstein has been under observation in hospital after suffering chest pains on Monday on his way to Rikers Island jail following his trial in New York.
The lawyer said after his first night: “I expected to see him distraught. He was unbelievably energised. Motivated to have his legal team fight for justice. ‘I didn’t force myself on anybody,’ he said. He actually talked about the future.”
Weinstein is to be sentenced on March 11 and faces up to 29 years in prison after being convicted of rape and sexual assault.
Mr Aidala said the producer, was confident as he has “dozens” of solid grounds for appeal including over a female juror who has an upcoming book about predatory older men in New York.
His lawyer said: “For now he’s focused on the legal system.
“Many appellate issues exist from the beginning. For instance, we knew that Juror 11 was involved in a book, which could have tainted her verdict.
“In jury selection, we did not want that juror. But we were out of refusal choices, and the judge allowed her to stay.We were compelled to accept her because we’d run out of choices.
“But this is only one of the appellate issues.There are many. There are dozens of issues.”
Weinstein, who has diabetes and severe back problems, is said to have been “bouncing off the walls” since he was admitted to hospital.
A source said: “He’s not sleeping. He’s walking in the limited area. He’s very restless. He’s got a lot on his mind.”
The mogul was found guilty of raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann, 34, and sexually assaulting London-based production assistant Miriam Haley, 42.