A source reveals that even though a grand jury has been empaneled, it does not mean that criminal charges are forthcoming.
- May 5, 2018
AceShowbiz - Manhattan District Attorney (D.A.) officials have reportedly issued grand jury subpoenas in their criminal investigation of Harvey Weinstein. Sources close to the case tell The Blast that New York prosecutors have issued summons to possible witnesses to Weinstein's alleged sexual misconduct.
The site reports that the subpoenas requested evidence potentially including phone records, e-mails and financial records related to deals with the shamed movie mogul, his firm The Weinstein Company and other businesses he owned.
Detectives from the New York Police Department (NYPD) launched an investigation into Weinstein after numerous actresses and ex-employees made misconduct allegations against him ranging from harassment to rape. In America, grand juries are used to assess serious criminal investigations before any charges are brought.
In a statement to The Blast, Weinstein's representatives said he is yet to face indictment and that they were confident he would be exonerated even if he faces a grand jury. "The fact that a grand jury has been empaneled does not mean that criminal charges are forthcoming," a spokesperson said, adding that the producer will be able to present evidence to the grand jury with the aim of convincing prosecutors not to file criminal charges.
"We are confident that we will prevail in convincing the D.A. that Mr. Weinstein has not committed any crime whatsoever," his reps added. "The rep added the reviews have been going on for months."
The disgraced film impresario, who oversaw films including "Shakespeare in Love", "The Artist" and "The King's Speech", has also reportedly hired Alan Dershowitz, the famed defence lawyer who aided O.J. Simpson during his murder trial, as part of his legal team.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are among the actresses who have claimed Weinstein harassed them, while Rose McGowan and Paz de la Huerta have accused him of rape.
