Weinstein rape trial shows MeToo accusers should prepare for courtroom grilling
- In the #MeToo era, women who make sexual misconduct allegations against powerful men can count on public support, but the rape trial in New York of former movie producer Harvey Weinstein has shown that accusers should brace for far less friendly treatment in a court of law.
During the weeks-long trial, Weinstein’s attorneys questioned his accusers about their appearance at the time of the alleged attacks, their drinking habits and whether they used Weinstein to land a Hollywood acting job. Legal experts said the movement has complicated the work of defending someone like Weinstein because a jury is more likely to sympathize with the alleged victims.Weinstein’s defense team said in their opening statements that his accusers are reframing old interactions.
“Weinstein’s attorneys are victim blaming bullies,” actress and writer Sarah Ann Masse wrote in a Feb. 3 Twitter post. Masse has said she was a victim of Weinstein’s sexual misconduct. “Mr. Weinstein is entitled to his day in court, entitled to his Sixth Amendment right to confront his accusers and entitled to have his attorneys ask questions on his behalf,” she wrote. “In asking those questions, we ask things that may make people ‘uncomfortable’ because the subject matter is uncomfortable and at times sensitive. However, we are respectful and measured in our examination.
Daniel Hochheiser, a New York criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor, said Weinstein’s lawyers have sounded “somewhat harsh” during cross-examination.
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