Weinstein’s Attorneys Claim Unfair Trial in Appeal Against LA Rape Conviction

**Harvey Weinstein Appeals California Conviction Amid Legal Battles Across Coasts**

In a significant move that reverberates through the legal and entertainment worlds, Harvey Weinstein has filed an appeal with California’s Second District Court of Appeal, challenging his conviction and the legal proceedings that led to it. This development comes on the heels of a pivotal moment in the #MeToo movement, as Weinstein’s 23-year sentence in New York was overturned by the state’s highest court, casting a long shadow over his California conviction for rape.

Weinstein’s legal team argues that the trial was marred by critical errors, including the exclusion of evidence they claim would have undermined the credibility of the Italian model and actor he was convicted of raping. The defense contends that the trial judge, Superior Court Judge Lisa B. Lench, erred in not allowing jurors to see evidence of the accuser’s alleged sexual relationship with a film festival director, which they argue could have significantly impacted the jury’s perception of the credibility of the witnesses.

The appeal also takes issue with the judge’s decision to inform the jury of Weinstein’s now-vacated New York conviction, suggesting that this, along with testimony about alleged assaults Weinstein was not charged with, unfairly prejudiced the jury against him. Weinstein’s attorneys liken the introduction of such evidence to a signal that Weinstein was a “bad man” who deserved conviction, irrespective of the specific charges’ merits.

At the heart of Weinstein’s California trial were accusations from four women, with the jury ultimately convicting him for an attack on Evgeniya Chernyshova. Weinstein’s defense is now spotlighting previously excluded Facebook messages they claim would have demonstrated a sexual relationship between Chernyshova and the festival’s founder, challenging the narrative presented at trial.

Weinstein has enlisted appellate attorneys, including Jennifer Bonjean, who successfully appealed Bill Cosby’s sexual assault case, signaling a robust challenge to his conviction. Meanwhile, Chernyshova’s attorney, David Ring, remains confident in the trial’s integrity and the decisions made by the court.

As the legal saga unfolds, the prosecution has until August 6 to respond to Weinstein’s appeal, setting the stage for another chapter in a case that has captivated and divided public opinion. With jurors reportedly expressing regret over their unanimous guilty verdict, Weinstein’s appeal underscores the ongoing complexities and controversies surrounding high-profile sexual assault cases in the #MeToo era.