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Harvey Weinstein, the now infamous Hollywood producer, is on the brink of discovering his fate as the jury steps into deliberations in his New York rape retrial. This development follows a brief but intense Tuesday morning session where Judge Curtis Farber ruled on materials presented by attorneys, ultimately deciding they would not go to the jury. Shortly thereafter, Weinstein's defense team, led by Arthur Aidala, rested its case without calling Weinstein himself to testify.

The trial has swiftly moved to closing arguments, with Aidala making his final plea to the jurors. Both the defense and the Manhattan District Attorney's office are expected to present their arguments over a few hours, with plans for the jury to begin their deliberations by the end of the day. The jury consists of seven women and five men who will soon be tasked with reaching a verdict on the three charges against Weinstein.

Weinstein, 73, who once wielded significant power in the film industry, faces the grim prospect of spending the remainder of his life in prison if convicted. In 2020, Weinstein was found guilty in a separate trial of third-degree rape and a first-degree criminal sexual act, receiving a sentence of 23 years. Judge James Burke, who presided over that trial, has since been dismissed from his post.

In this retrial, the charges could lead to severe penalties. The single count of third-degree rape carries a maximum four-year sentence, while each of the first-degree criminal sexual act counts could result in up to 25 years in prison. Prosecutors argue that Weinstein used his industry influence to ensnare young women with false promises of work, leading to violent and unwanted sexual encounters.

The prosecution's case has included harrowing testimony from three women: Jessica Mann, Miriam Haley, and Kaja Sokola. Mann and Haley also testified in Weinstein's first trial, while Sokola's allegations are new, stemming from an alleged 2006 assault. These allegations were included in a revised grand jury indictment following Weinstein's previous conviction being overturned in April 2024.

Weinstein opted not to testify in either trial, a decision reflective of the risk of extensive cross-examination. His spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, stated that taking the stand could unjustly harm Weinstein's credibility, emphasizing caution over evasion.

Currently serving a 16-year sentence for a 2022 conviction in Los Angeles for raping and assaulting a woman identified as Jane Doe, Weinstein maintains his innocence. He voiced his denials in a recent interview, claiming he has been wrongfully accused and emphasizing the distinction between immoral and illegal behavior.

Due to his deteriorating health, Weinstein has been allowed to stay in Bellevue Hospital rather than Rikers Island, as he contended that conditions at the jail were life-threatening. Earlier in the year, Weinstein underwent emergency heart surgery and was diagnosed with cancer, further compounding his medical challenges.

With the jury soon to deliberate, the world watches to see whether Harvey Weinstein will face further punishment or walk free, as the echoes of his once-titanic influence in Hollywood continue to fade.