UK prosecutors drop charges against Harvey Weinstein citing evidence issues

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

In June 2022, British prosecutors approved two charges relating 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 "Variety" has learned that these charges will be withdrawn.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: "After reviewing the evidence in this case, we have decided to cease criminal proceedings against Harvey Weinstein. There is no realistic prospect of conviction."

This decision marks 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 allowing testimonies from women who were not part of the case was biased. A new trial is scheduled for November. Weinstein remains in prison. In October 2022, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison in Los Angeles for three counts of rape and sexual assault.

Weinstein is currently 72 years old. Reports periodically surface in the media about new illnesses he is suffering from in prison. The convicted producer has heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea, and vision problems.

Let's recall that in October 2017, it came to light that Harvey Weinstein had been molesting women throughout his 30-year career. According to reports from "New York Times" and "New Yorker" magazines, there were also 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, broke their silence. In total, 82 names appeared on the list of victims, and new names are still emerging.