Harvey Weinstein in 2016.Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty
Harvey Weinsteinhas been granted an appeal 2 and a half years after he wasfound guiltyof rape and sexual assault.
On Wednesday, a court spokesperson said Chief Judge Janet DiFore granted the 70-year-old fallen filmmaker the appeal in the New York State of Appeals, according toNBC News,ABC 7 New YorkandReuters.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Weinstein insists he is innocent.
“I am so grateful to my attorneys for working hard and smart on this,” he says. “Their hard work will help me prove my innocence in the end.”
An attorney for Weinstein, Arthur Aidala, also tells PEOPLE “We are grateful that Chief Judge DiFiore acknowledged the substantial legal issues in this case and we are hopeful that the entire Court will find that Mr. Weinstein did not receive a fair trial and reverse his conviction.”
He adds, “Mr. Weinstein has consistently maintained his innocence.”
One month after his conviction, Weinstein wassentenced to 23 yearsin prison.
RELATED VIDEO: Harvey Weinstein Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison After Rape and Sex Assault Convictions
Prosecutors had asked for the maximum sentence of 29 years for Weinstein. His legal team requested the minimum, which was five years. Prior to the 2020 hearing, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office argued in a court filing Weinstein’s sentence should reflect “the seriousness of defendant’s offenses,“CNN reported.
The Manhattan D.A.’s office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Weinstein’s granted appeal Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in June Weinsteinfaced more charges, this time in London, for indecent assault.
He is also awaiting trial in Los Angeles, where he facesmore sexual assault allegations.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
