Weinstein Prosecutors Claim Donna Rotunno Op-Ed Is Jury Tampering

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Variety

By MACKENZIE NICHOLS, ELIZABETH WAGMEISTER and BRENT LANG

Deliberations in Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial are slated to begin on Tuesday, but there were plenty of fireworks even before Justice James Burke could give jurors instructions.

Before the jury was called in, prosecutors accused the former movie mogul’s lawyers of jury tampering, vociferously objecting to a Newsweek op-ed. The article, penned by Weinstein’s lead attorney Donna Rotunno, implored the jury to “look past the headlines” and “to base their verdict solely on the facts, testimony and evidence presented to them in the courtroom.”

Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi objected to the piece, saying it violated judicial behavior and was clearly written at the behest of Weinstein. “If this is conduct that is allowed to persist in courtroom, we are all lost,” she said.

Justice James Burke took no immediate action other than to remind attorneys not to speak to the press.

Read more: https://variety.com/2020/film/news/harvey-weinstein-rape-trial-deliberation-jury-1203506003/

[Submariner]

1. Hopefully the paparazzi bag Weinstein without the walker

when he thinks he is not being watched. He deserves to croak in a prison cell.

[Sloumeau]

2. Short version of Donna Rotunno:

"Pay no attention to the fact that at least 100 women have come forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual assault or sexual abuse".