I’m ready to make a comeback after rape trial, says Weinstein
hARVeY Weinstein believes he will make a comeback after his rape trial has concluded, he revealed in an interview yesterday.
The disgraced film producer said it would ‘take a bit of work’ to build his empire again – but thought it was possible.
he told Cnn that the past two years – since allegations against him first surfaced – had been ‘gruelling’ and had taught him to ‘give up his need for control’.
he added that the case had been ‘overwhelming’ and lashed out at ‘assumptions’ about him which have been reported by the media.
The comments came hours before Weinstein was due in Manhattan’s Criminal Court this morning for the start of his trial. he is expected to be confronted by the sight of some of his accusers, including actress Rosanna Arquette, who will sit in the viewing gallery.
Weinstein maintains his innocence. he said he hoped to make a comeback as soon as the dust had settled from the trial.
‘It will take a bit of work to build back to it,’ he said. ‘If I can get back to doing something good and building places that help heal and comfort others, I intend to do so.’
he added: ‘The past two years have been gruelling and have presented me with a great opportunity for selfreflection. I realise now that I was consumed with my work, my company and my drive for success. This caused me to neglect my family, my relationships and to lash out at the people around me. I have been in rehab since October 2017, and have been involved in a 12-step program and meditation. I have learned to give up my need for control.’
But he refused to offer any sympathy to his dozens of accusers – who reportedly include Gwyneth Paltrow. he said: ‘While I do have many empathetic opinions regarding many people, I am following the advice of my lawyers on the eve of my trial to not offer any commentary on this.’
Weinstein’s attorney Donna Rotunno said she did not believe
Weinstein is a rapist. She said he would be ‘the first one to say he did bad things’ but that doesn’t mean he is a criminal.
In court today lawyers will deal with final legal issues before jury selection begins tomorrow. That is expected to last for up to two weeks before the jury hears the evidence.
Weinstein is charged with two counts of predatory sexual assault in connection to the alleged rape of The Sopranos actress Annabella Sciorra, 59, some time between late 1993 and early 1994.
he’s also accused of forcibly performing a sex act on production assistant Mimi haleyi in 2006 and raping another woman, who has not been named publicly, in 2013. Weinstein, 67, denies all allegations of non-consensual sex. If convicted he could be jailed for life.
‘Give up my need for control’