Harvey Weinstein escapes UK charges due to weak evidence

The British prosecution has decided not to continue criminal proceedings against Harvey Weinstein, the well-known film producer facing accusations of sexual misconduct. The reason cited is a lack of a "realistic prospect of conviction."

In June 2022, British prosecutors approved two charges related to Weinstein's indecent assault of a woman in London in 1996. "Variety" has learned that these charges will be withdrawn. Frank Ferguson, head of the UK prosecution, stated, "Following a review of the evidence in this case, the CPS has decided to discontinue criminal proceedings against Harvey Weinstein. The CPS has a duty to keep all cases under continuous review, and we have decided that there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."

This decision is another legal victory for Weinstein, who is currently serving a 23-year sentence. Earlier this year, the New York Court of Appeals overturned his 2020 rape conviction, arguing that testimonies from women not involved in the case introduced bias. A new trial is scheduled for November. Despite this, Weinstein remains in prison. In October 2022, he was sentenced to an additional 16 years in prison in Los Angeles for three counts of rape and sexual assault.

Weinstein, now 72, reportedly suffers from several health issues while in prison, including heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and vision problems.

In October 2017, it was revealed that Harvey Weinstein had been molesting women throughout his 30-year career. Reports from "New York Times" and "New Yorker" magazines included instances of rape. As the scandal widened in Hollywood, Weinstein's victims, including Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Asia Argento, Lucia Evans, Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd, and Terry Crews, came forward. In total, 82 names appeared on the list of victims, with new names still emerging.