Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Weinstein Prosecutors Dismiss Jury Misconduct Claims as Implausible
A famous movie producer, Harvey Weinstein, was found guilty of a sexual assault charge.
His lawyers are trying to get this guilty verdict thrown out.
They say that two people on the jury felt scared and pressured by other jurors to vote guilty.
These jurors said they regret their decision.
However, the lawyers who prosecuted the case disagree.
They believe these claims are not true and don't have a good reason to cancel the verdict.
They pointed out that one juror initially described the arguments in the jury room as 'just playground stuff.'
The prosecution also mentioned an old rule that protects juries from being bothered after they make a decision.
The judge will decide soon if he believes the defense's story or the prosecution's arguments.
Weinstein denies all charges and is currently in jail.
Prosecutors argue that Harvey Weinstein's defense claims of jury misconduct are implausible and lack legal basis.
The defense submitted affidavits from two jurors who stated they were bullied and intimidated during deliberations, leading them to regret their guilty verdict.
Prosecutors countered by citing one juror's earlier statement describing the jury room interactions as 'playground stuff' and not indicative of true intimidation.
Weinstein's conviction was for a first-degree criminal sex act related to an incident with Miriam Haley in 2006.
Judge Curtis Farber is scheduled to rule on the defense's challenge to the conviction on December 22.
- Who
- Harvey Weinstein's defense team, Manhattan prosecutors, and Judge Curtis Farber
- What
- Prosecutors are urging a judge to reject defense claims of jury misconduct and intimidation that could overturn Harvey Weinstein's conviction.
- When
- Prosecutors filed their response on Wednesday; the judge is expected to rule on December 22.
- Where
- New York
- Why
- Weinstein's defense submitted affidavits from two jurors alleging they were bullied into convicting him, while prosecutors argue these claims are implausible and lack legal grounds.
Weinstein Defense Claims
Prosecution Response
Jury Deliberations and Intimidation
Weinstein Defense Claims
Two jurors stated in affidavits that they regretted voting to convict Weinstein and only did so because other jurors bullied and intimidated them during deliberations. One juror reported being screamed at and told, 'we have to get rid of you,' while another said dissenters were grilled and that a hung jury would have occurred on the Miriam Haley charge without intimidation. The defense argues this points to threats, intimidation, and extraneous bias compromising the verdict's integrity.
Prosecution Response
Prosecutors argue the claims are inconsistent and implausible, noting one juror's earlier description of deliberations as 'playground stuff' and 'not like a fight was going to break out.' They cite a legal rule protecting verdict finality and preventing jurors from being harassed. The prosecution also stated they declined to interview jurors to avoid causing the very harms the rule aims to prevent.
Judge's Handling of Juror Concerns
Weinstein Defense Claims
The defense contends that the judge mishandled juror complaints and was not willing to listen to their concerns regarding pressure and intimidation during deliberations.
Prosecution Response
Transcripts show the judge warned jurors about normal 'tension and conflict' and cautioned them against discussing deliberations. Prosecutors rely on this and the sanctity of deliberations, suggesting the judge acted appropriately within legal bounds.
- Defendant
- Harvey Weinstein
- Conviction Charge
- First-degree criminal sex act (related to Miriam Haley in 2006)
- Defense Claims
- Jury misconduct due to bullying and intimidation during deliberations
- Juror Affidavits
- Submitted by two jurors expressing regret and claiming intimidation
- Prosecution Response
- Filed on Wednesday, urging rejection of misconduct claims as implausible
- Judge's Ruling Date
- December 22
- Potential Sentence
- Up to 25 years for the conviction
