The prosecutors hinted at the possibility of seeking a new indictment against Weinstein before his scheduled retrial on rape charges later this year.

Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg stated during the hearing that additional individuals have come forward with assault claims, and the prosecution is currently assessing whether they fall within the statute of limitations. Blumberg also noted that some potential survivors who were not ready to testify during Weinstein's first trial may now be willing to step forward.

When asked by Judge Curtis Farber about the likelihood of a new indictment, Blumberg replied, "Yes, your honor." The development comes as Weinstein appeared before the judge in the same New York City courthouse currently hosting the trial of former President Donald Trump.

Weinstein, who entered the court in a wheelchair as he has during recent proceedings after his 2020 conviction was overturned, was informed by Blumberg that prosecutors would provide an update on the case's direction by the end of June. The retrial on the rape charge is tentatively scheduled for a date after Labor Day.

Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, also addressed a letter from prosecutors sent to the judge last week, requesting that Weinstein's defense team refrain from discussing or disparaging potential witnesses in public ahead of the retrial. Aidala apologized to the judge for any perceived intimidation but maintained that the defense's position is based on the belief that false statements were made during the previous trial and might be repeated in the upcoming one.

In response, Judge Farber directed both sides to "refrain from pandering to press," emphasizing that the case would be decided in the court of justice rather than in the court of public opinion. The next court date was set for July 9.

Weinstein's original trial took place in the same courtroom where Trump's trial is currently being held, although the two individuals were unlikely to cross paths since Weinstein is in custody and under guard. The convictions against Weinstein for raping Jessica Mann, an aspiring actor, and sexually assaulting Miriam Haley were overturned by New York's highest court last month. The court concluded that the trial judge had erroneously allowed testimony regarding allegations from other women that were not part of the case. Throughout the legal proceedings, Weinstein, 72, has maintained that any sexual activity was consensual.

The reopening of Weinstein's case has once again brought the spotlight onto the issue of sexual misconduct by powerful individuals, marking a pivotal moment in America's ongoing reckoning with such behavior. The #MeToo movement was sparked in 2017 by a wave of allegations against Weinstein.

Weinstein's defense lawyer, Aidala, had previously accused Miriam Haley of lying about her motives for coming forward during his public statements on May 1. He indicated that an aggressive cross-examination on the issue would be pursued if Haley were to testify in the retrial.