Harvey Weinstein Case Could 'Unravel', Legal Experts Say: Report

Infamous Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein started the #MeToo movement when upwards of 80 women accused him of sexual assault.

Accusations came from all angles: new, Hollywood faces and tried and true stars, like Gwyneth Paltrow and Rose McGowan, accused the producer of sexual misconduct. But any criminal trial could fall apart on technicalities, legal experts say.

CNN legal analyst and defense attorney Mark Geragos cited disarray between the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the New York Police Department. Because of this, he believes the Weinstein case is "unraveling," CNN reported Sunday. "If you're on the defense here, you just sit back and watch them cannibalize themselves," he said.

The NYPD set up a 2015 sting and recorded audio of Weinstein with model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez just one day after Weinstein had allegedly groped her. The recording did produce potentially incriminating conversation from Weinstein, but the Manhattan D.A.'s office found the recording insufficient under law.

Infighting ensued. Geragos said this exchange is a "hot potato" case and social opinion and legal execution have been blurred.

Though over 80 women accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, only three cases were within their statutes of limitation. Weinstein was charged with six felony counts. One has already been thrown out after Detective Nicholas DiGaudio was accused of coaching a witness.

DiGaudio has also been accused of telling a Weinstein accuser to delete messages from her phone before the device was taken by police, the District Attorney's Office said on Tuesday. This accusation is potentially damaging to three of the five remaining counts against Weinstein. The detective is no longer a part of the Weinstein case, and an internal NYPD investigation has been launched.

The NYPD denies Weinstein's case could fall apart. "The evidence against Mr. Weinstein is compelling and strong," a spokesperson said to CNN. "The NYPD will continue its work with the prosecution to deliver justice for the courageous survivors who have bravely come forward."

Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi-Orbon also said Weinstein's case is progressing like normal. "Nothing in this disclosure of count six impacts the strength of the case," Illuzzi-Orbon told CNN. "We are moving full steam ahead."

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go