Harvey Weinstein has enlisted the legal services of Luigi Mangione and attorneys who previously represented Sean “Diddy” Combs for his upcoming third New York rape trial. This decision comes after Weinstein chose not to resolve the matter through a guilty plea.
In court documents filed on Tuesday, Weinstein’s new legal team, comprised of Jacob Kaplan, Marc Agnifilo, and Teny Geragos, formally announced their representation. They have taken over from Arthur Aidala, Weinstein’s long-standing attorney, who has stepped back from the courtroom to focus on the producer’s appeals and civil cases.
Jacob Kaplan, who was part of Weinstein’s original defense team back in 2018, is expected to play a significant role in the third trial. This trial centers around an accusation that Weinstein raped hairstylist and actress Jessica Mann in a Manhattan hotel in 2013.
During a hearing in January, Weinstein maintained his innocence, stating that he had never assaulted anyone and expressing the toll his time behind bars had taken on him.
The trial, originally set to commence on March 3, has been postponed with no new schedule announced. Weinstein is scheduled to appear in court for a status conference on March 4, as reported initially by legal publication Law360.
Kaplan and Agnifilo are also representing Luigi Mangione in separate state and federal cases related to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Their legal efforts have resulted in the dismissal of terrorism charges in the state case and the removal of the death penalty in the federal case.
Agnifilo and Geragos have a history of representing high-profile clients, including successful outcomes in the defense of Sean “Diddy” Combs against sex trafficking and racketeering charges. They are currently part of the defense team representing wealthy brothers Alon, Oren, and Tal Alexander in their sex trafficking trial in Manhattan federal court.
Weinstein’s spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, stated that Weinstein believes a fresh perspective and strategic approach are necessary after two previous trials on the matter.
In a complex verdict last year, Weinstein was convicted of one charge involving Miriam Haley but acquitted of another involving Kaja Sokola. The jury did not reach a decision on the rape charge linked to Jessica Mann, leading to a mistrial.
Despite the challenges faced, Weinstein and his legal team have vowed to continue vigorously advocating for his case in the appellate courts. The ongoing high-profile cases involving Kaplan, Agnifilo, and Geragos may influence the timing of Weinstein’s trial.
Weinstein is currently serving time for his previous convictions and faces the possibility of additional prison time depending on the outcomes of the upcoming trial.