A jury of seven women and five men has been selected for Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial.
There are more women on the court this time than the previous panel of five women and seven men that convicted the former Hollywood producer in his first trial five years ago.
Opening statements are not expected until Wednesday, as prosecutors and defense attorneys need time to complete the selection of the final six alternate jurors who will replace the primary members if someone is unable to complete the trial.
The 12-member main jury included a research physicist, a photographer, a nutritionist, an investment bank software engineer, a retired city social worker, and others.
After nine jurors were selected last week, three more were chosen on Monday, the fourth day of selection, along with five alternates.
They and other potential jurors were questioned about their backgrounds, life experiences and other aspects that might affect their ability to be impartial and fair in this high-profile case.
“You could hear sexual allegations here that are lewd in nature — maybe even explicit. Does that mean that … Mr. Weinstein should be found guilty?” defense attorney Mike Sibella asked one potential juror.
The woman ultimately chosen for the team said no.
Potential jurors were questioned privately about what they knew about the case and what they thought of Weinstein, and some were released after these closed questions.
However, as questioning moved into open court, prosecutor Shannon Lucey demanded assurances that potential jurors would be able to put aside any positions or feelings they might have about the MeToo movement.
It was the catalyst for a slew of sexual harassment allegations leveled against Weinstein in 2017, when he was a successful film producer and one of the most powerful men in his field.
“Is there anyone who is going to think about the motion and say, 'Okay, this is just something I need to remember when I make a decision on this case'? Can everyone put that aside?” Ms. Lucy asked the group of 24 potential jurors.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
