Calls Himself Immoral, Not Criminal—Harvey Weinstein Speaks Out Ahead of Retrial Verdict

In a rare phone interview with Fox 5’s “Good Day New York,” disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein expressed remorse for his past actions but maintained that he never engaged in criminal behavior. Speaking with anchor Rosanna Scotto, Weinstein stated that while he acted “immorally,” his conduct was “never illegal.”

He admitted to causing pain to his family and friends, referring to his actions as “stupid,” yet emphasized that he doesn’t believe they crossed the legal line. These remarks come as he awaits a verdict in his New York sex crimes retrial.

Weinstein Questions Accusers’ Motives, Faces Retrial After Overturned Conviction

During the interview, Weinstein cast doubt on the motives of the women who testified against him. He echoed a claim made by his lawyer, Arthur Aidala, that financial incentives may have influenced their testimonies. “Arthur said they had 4 million reasons to testify,” Weinstein remarked, implying monetary gain as a possible motivation. This dismissive stance toward the accusers is consistent with his ongoing defense strategy, which often questions the credibility and intentions of those who have come forward.

Weinstein is currently facing a retrial in New York after a 2024 court decision overturned his earlier conviction. Previously found guilty of rape and sexual assault in the state, he is now being retried on charges including two counts of committing a “criminal sexual act” in the first degree and one count of third-degree rape. The retrial follows a separate conviction in Los Angeles in 2022, where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison. As of now, jury deliberations in the New York case are underway.

Weinstein Follows Legal Advice, Avoids Testifying Amid Ongoing #MeToo Movement Reckoning

Scotto also questioned Weinstein about his decision not to take the stand in his defense. Weinstein explained that while he was willing to testify, he followed the advice of his attorney, who believed the jury was already sympathetic to their case. Aidala warned that the district attorney would aggressively cross-examine him, possibly undermining their strategy. Weinstein stated, “This was the best advice… don’t take the stand if you don’t have to.”

Despite his public claims of innocence and remorse, Weinstein remains one of the most prominent figures brought down by the #MeToo movement. His comments in the interview—denying criminal wrongdoing while admitting moral failings—reflect his continued attempts to shape public perception as he faces potentially life-altering legal consequences.

With jury deliberations now underway, the future of Weinstein’s legal fate remains uncertain, but his case continues to symbolize a broader reckoning in the entertainment industry.