Manhattan prosecutors have told a judge they are evaluating new claims of sexual misconduct made against Harvey Weinstein and could potentially seek a new indictment against the former movie mogul ahead of his scheduled retrial on rape charges later this year.
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Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg said during a court hearing that additional people have come forward with assault claims and prosecutors are currently assessing which fall under the statute of limitations.
She said some potential survivors that were not ready to step forward during Weinstein's first New York trial may now be willing to testify.
When asked by Judge Curtis Farber whether there was a possibility of prosecutors filing a new indictment, Blumberg replied: "Yes, your honor."
Weinstein appeared before the judge Wednesday afternoon in the same New York City courthouse where former President Donald Trump is on trial.
He entered the court in a wheelchair, as he has during other recent court hearings after his 2020 conviction was tossed out. Weinstein has suffered from medical problems throughout his time in jail, his lawyers have said.
Blumberg said prosecutors would be in a better position to update the court on the direction of the case at the end of June. The retrial on the rape charge is tentatively scheduled for some time after Labor Day.
Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, told reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing that his client was confident no additional accusers would be found to bolster the prosecution's case.
"He knows he's never done anything like this," Aidala said of Weinstein.
Earlier, in court, Aidala also addressed a letter prosecutors sent to the judge last week asking him to remind Weinstein's lawyers not to discuss or disparage potential witnesses in public ahead of the retrial.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office argues that Aidala made statements earlier this month that were meant to intimidate Miriam Haley, a former TV and film production assistant who Weinstein was convicted of sexually assaulting.
Aidala apologised to the judge but said he didn't intend to intimidate anyone and that it is the defence's position that "lies were told at the last trial, and will be told at this one."
Farber, in response, directed both sides to "refrain from pandering to press," saying the case will "not be decided in the court of public opinion" but in the court of justice.
He also set the next court date for July 9.
Australian Associated Press
