USA TODAY International Edition
Weinstein move for new trial is denied
Defense team declares the jury is ‘ poisoned’
NEW YORK – Opening statements in Harvey Weinstein’s sex crimes trial concluded Wednesday with a blast from the defense team about the jury “poisoned” by prosecutors’ descriptions of Weinstein as a “predatory monster” who posed for pictures with former President Bill Clinton.
When the seven men and five women of the jury left the courtroom for the day, Arthur Aidala, one of Weinstein’s lawyers, told Judge James Burke that “the jury is tainted and we need to start again.” He said Assistant District Attorney Meghan
Hast’s opening statement, which included pictures on a courtroom screen of the ex- movie mogul on red carpets and posing with Clinton, was “completely inappropriate.”
“To show President Bill Clinton in a sex crimes case to be put up on the screen … Clinton has nothing to do with this case. It’s 100% irrelevant,” Aidala said. Burke denied Aidala’s motion to start over with a new jury.
Another defense attorney, Damon Cheronis, asked the judge to declare a mistrial, arguing that it was “unfair” to ask the first witness, former Weinstein employee Lance Maerov, to describe Weinstein’s appearance and personal characteristics, including his “slovenly” dress and his heavyset frame.
Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi defended the questioning, saying the jury should understand that instead of the older man who uses a walker they see at the defense table, “the man these ( accusers) met was a loud, imposing, large man, not the frail man you see over there.”
Burke denied the mistrial motion. Weinstein, 67, is on trial on five charges, including rape and sexual assault, stemming from encounters with two accusers. He has pleaded not guilty.
“During this trial, you’re going to learn that the defendant was a savvy, powerful Hollywood producer. But the evidence … will show that that man was a sexual predator and a rapist,” Hast said.
At times while Hast spoke, Weinstein shrugged at his legal team, shook his head or stared at the jury.
The defense introduced text messages and emails from accusers. The exchanges are expected to be a major issue at the trial: The defense says they show some accusers had “friendly, even loving” relationships with Weinstein after the alleged assaults.