### Closing Arguments Begin in Harvey Weinstein's New York Retrial

The retrial of former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in New York City entered a critical phase on Tuesday as closing arguments commenced. The defense, led by attorney Arthur Aidala, reiterated their position, emphasizing that Weinstein's accusers fabricated their stories and that each sexual encounter was consensual.

Aidala pressed the jury to dismiss the charges if there was any doubt or uncertainty about the prosecution's assertions. "This is not about innocence," Aidala emphasized. "This is about: did they prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt?" He also suggested the accusers were women with "broken dreams" looking for a shortcut to success through Weinstein.

Weinstein is charged with two counts of committing a "criminal sexual act" in the first degree and one count of third-degree rape. The allegations stem from accusations made by three women—Miriam Haley, Kaja Sokola, and Jessica Mann. Weinstein maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Aidala described Weinstein's relationships with the accusers as "transactional," asserting that Weinstein supported these women financially and invited them to various events. According to Aidala, "He's the one getting abused here," characterizing the accusers' ultimate motives as financially and fame-driven.

A significant portion of Aidala’s argument involved dismantling the testimonies of the accusers by highlighting their ongoing interactions with Weinstein post-assault and pointing out inconsistencies in their accounts. He cited testimony from Ewa Sokola, Kaja Sokola's older sister and a cardiologist, who testified that Kaja never disclosed any incident, ostensibly supporting the defense's narrative.

As the defense concluded their closing statement, Aidala claimed that the accusers' allegations were fueled by desires for fame and financial gain.

District attorney Nicole Blumberg countered this narrative as she began the prosecution's summation. She described Weinstein's dominance and influence in Hollywood, arguing that he exploited his power to "physically and emotionally overpower" the accusers, who were all aspiring to build their careers.

"He didn't have an interest in their careers," Blumberg stated. "He had an interest in their bodies." She refuted Aidala’s suggestion that Weinstein was the victim, calling it "offensive."

Blumberg's closing argument will continue on Wednesday morning.

Weinstein was previously serving a 23-year sentence following his 2020 conviction for sexual assault and rape. That conviction was overturned in April 2024 by the New York Court of Appeals due to an error involving the inclusion of testimonies from three additional accusers. Weinstein was also convicted of rape in Los Angeles in 2022 and sentenced to another 16 years in prison.