Show Notes
Is Harvey Weinstein a rapist? Many have already made up their minds, but compelling evidence from the defense could prove otherwise. In the opening day of the trial, we hear statements from the prosecution and the defense. The prosecution argues that Harvey Weinstein is a sexual predator and a rapist. They paint a picture of a man who used his star power to abuse young women and in one case, the prosecution alleges he raped a 27-year old aspiring actress. The defense paints a much different picture. In their opening remarks, they revealed emails between Weinstein and the some of the complainants that showed friendly romantic relationships. The evidence includes texts and emails -- one of which even reads, "I love you, I always do. But I hate feeling like a booty call.”
In the first episode of The Weinstein Trial: Unfiltered, our team of veteran voice actors will bring the trial to life and give you an inside look at the courtroom using the court transcripts to show you the truth behind the headlines. With commentary from journalists Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer, we hope you enjoy the first episode of this daily series. New episodes will be posted daily at WeinsteinPodcast.com.
If you enjoy this podcast, you can give to the Unreported Story Society at: TheUnreportedStorySociety.com.
More from The Harvey Weinstein Trial: Unfiltered
The New York Court of Appeals, overturned the Hollywood producer’s conviction for rape and sexual assault. But they only confirmed what we thought when we covered the Harvey Weinstein trial in 2020. On this bonus episode of The Harvey Weinstein Trial: Unfiltered you’ll hear in more detail why we were right all along. This was mob justice, this was politicized justice. This was the New York district attorney putting politics before the law. Sound familiar? We told you then you may not like Harvey Weinstein, but they’ll use the same tactics to go after you and the ones you love. That’s why we had to call out this miscarriage of justice when we saw it.
We missed you! And we are BACK with some recent Harvey Weinstein news. We sat down with Ken Auletta of the New York Post to discuss his new book "Hollywood Ending: Harvey Weinstein and the Culture of Silence." Ken was one of the excellent journalists that we met during the trial. You'll love his insight into the Weinstein saga after the years he has spent covering Harvey. We hope you enjoy this special followup episode to the Harvey Weinstein Trial: Unfiltered.
On Wednesday the Harvey Weinstein trial finally came to a close as Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault. Weinstein was convicted last month for sexually assaulting Mimi Haleyi and for raping Jessica Mann. Before today's sentencing, Weinstein was facing up to 29 years in prison. The defense sought a small sentence of only five years and argued that Weinstein would be unable to survive in prison no longer than five years. Additionally, the defense argued that Weinstein had already faced significant financial and personal losses due to the trial. Weinstein will likely serve his sentence in Rikers Island jail in New York.
Finally - a verdict in the case against Harvey Weinstein. But first there was discussion about a mysterious letter received by the court claiming serious jury misbehavior. Is it true? Was it a prank? Then the jury presented their verdict to the court - Weinstein was found guilty on two counts: criminal sexual assault and rape in the third degree. He was found not guilty of predatory sexual assault and rape in the first degree, the more serious charges. Weinstein was then taken away in handcuffs to prison. He will be sentenced on March 11.
In this special episode of The Harvey Weinstein Trial: Unfiltered, we recap some of the recent developments as the jury decides on a verdict. The jury has said they are deadlocked on two of the charges. They have been deliberating for almost a week and the judge has sent them back to continue considering a verdict. They gave no indication what their verdict would be in the other three charges. We expect a verdict as soon as this afternoon. In this episode we clarify the complex charges against Weinstein. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution's case and what a possible verdict might look like.