This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/apr/26/harvey-weinstein-trial-judge-bans-public-and-press-from-courtroom

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Harvey Weinstein trial: judge bans public and press from courtroom Harvey Weinstein trial: judge bans public and press from courtroom
(32 minutes later)
A judge barred the public and the press from the disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein’s New York court appearance on Friday, after both prosecutors and defense lawyers asked for the hearing to be held in secret.A judge barred the public and the press from the disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein’s New York court appearance on Friday, after both prosecutors and defense lawyers asked for the hearing to be held in secret.
Judge James Burke ejected reporters and spectators from the courtroom in Manhattan as prosecutors argued that more accusers should be allowed to testify in Weinstein’s upcoming sexual assault trial.Judge James Burke ejected reporters and spectators from the courtroom in Manhattan as prosecutors argued that more accusers should be allowed to testify in Weinstein’s upcoming sexual assault trial.
The allegations against Weinstein to be discussed at the hearing are “highly inflammatory”, Burke said, and letting the public in would “result in a violation of both the defendant’s right to an impartial jury panel and his right to a fair trial”.The allegations against Weinstein to be discussed at the hearing are “highly inflammatory”, Burke said, and letting the public in would “result in a violation of both the defendant’s right to an impartial jury panel and his right to a fair trial”.
“The publication of this information at this time would serve no purpose other than to arouse negative public sentiment toward the defendant,” he said, adding it would have a “devastating effect” on Weinstein’s ability to get a fair trial.“The publication of this information at this time would serve no purpose other than to arouse negative public sentiment toward the defendant,” he said, adding it would have a “devastating effect” on Weinstein’s ability to get a fair trial.
The former movie mogul faces charges of rape and sexual assault in New York, where authorities say he raped one female acquaintance and forced oral sex on another woman.The former movie mogul faces charges of rape and sexual assault in New York, where authorities say he raped one female acquaintance and forced oral sex on another woman.
More than 80 women have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. At Friday’s hearing, prosecutors and defense lawyers are arguing over whether evidence of uncharged crimes and other bad acts can be used at his trial, which begins in June.More than 80 women have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. At Friday’s hearing, prosecutors and defense lawyers are arguing over whether evidence of uncharged crimes and other bad acts can be used at his trial, which begins in June.
News organizations argued for the hearing to be held in public – saying allegations against Weinstein are already so well known that airing them in open court would not hurt his ability to get a fair trial.News organizations argued for the hearing to be held in public – saying allegations against Weinstein are already so well known that airing them in open court would not hurt his ability to get a fair trial.
“This criminal case is a matter of immense and legitimate public interest,” said attorney Robert Balin, who represented several news organizations. “That is what our constitution envisions, that the people observe and participate in our criminal proceedings.”“This criminal case is a matter of immense and legitimate public interest,” said attorney Robert Balin, who represented several news organizations. “That is what our constitution envisions, that the people observe and participate in our criminal proceedings.”
Lawyers for the press said they would attempt an emergency appeal, as the closed hearing was ongoing.Lawyers for the press said they would attempt an emergency appeal, as the closed hearing was ongoing.
Weinstein denies all allegations of non-consensual sex. His lawyer Marianne Bertuna argued it was right to hold the hearing in secret.Weinstein denies all allegations of non-consensual sex. His lawyer Marianne Bertuna argued it was right to hold the hearing in secret.
“We are trying to prevent tainted information from going to the press, only to be instantly released to the public, permanently destroying Mr Weinstein’s constitutional right to choose from a jury of his peers,” she said. “Let’s limit the damage that’s been done here in the midst of an insatiable media frenzy.”“We are trying to prevent tainted information from going to the press, only to be instantly released to the public, permanently destroying Mr Weinstein’s constitutional right to choose from a jury of his peers,” she said. “Let’s limit the damage that’s been done here in the midst of an insatiable media frenzy.”
Outside the courthouse on Friday, attorney Gloria Allred spoke in favor of the closed-door nature of the hearing. Outside the courthouse on Friday, attorney Gloria Allred spoke in favor of the closed-door nature of the hearing. She represents one of the women Weinstein has been charged with assaulting, and another accuser who may testify.
“I represent one of the two alleged victims of Mr Weinstein for whom charges have been filed, including the charge of sexual and predatory conduct, which if he is convicted of that could potentially mean a life in prison,” she began. “This decision is protective of my potential client, unless or until she testifies. It’s the right decision for my client, who has not at this point revealed that she is a potential witness,” she said.
“I represent another accuser, a potential witness, who is committed to testify. In any event, if she is permitted to testify, her identity will be known at that time. This decision [to bar press] is protective of my potential client, unless or until she testifies. It’s the right decision for my client, who has not at this point revealed that she is a potential witness,” she continued. Weinstein’s taking his lunch break. The rest of the hearing will continue this afternoon pic.twitter.com/UsuTP1sK6K
Weinstein attended the hearing with his lawyers as media crowded the entrance to the building on a rainy morning in downtown New York City. Weinstein attended the hearing with his lawyers, walking with a slight limp, as media crowded the entrance to the building on a rainy morning in downtown New York City.
Allred pointed out: “He’s got a huge defense – he had five defense attorneys in the courtroom today. Three for the prosecution. I’m sure there are many more behind the scenes … there’s an argument to wait until the trial to see who exactly is going to testify.” “He’s got a huge defense – he had five defense attorneys in the courtroom today. Three for the prosecution. I’m sure there are many more behind the scenes,” Allred said. “There’s an argument to wait until the trial to see who exactly is going to testify.”
Hazar Kilani contributed to this report.Hazar Kilani contributed to this report.
Harvey WeinsteinHarvey Weinstein
New YorkNew York
Rape and sexual assaultRape and sexual assault
US crimeUS crime
newsnews
Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
Share via EmailShare via Email
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn
Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
Share on WhatsAppShare on WhatsApp
Share on MessengerShare on Messenger
Reuse this contentReuse this content