Challenges, distractions stymie Weinstein jury selection

alrey contentious jury selection at trial of Harvey Weinstein was stymied by more challenges and distractions Friday: denied defense requests to disqualify numerous prospective jurors and a isy anti-Weinstein protest.

Dozens of women danced in formation and sang on sidewalk outside Manhattan courthouse where disgraced movie mogul is on trial, causing a commotion so loud that that it could be heard in a 15th-floor courtroom.

Though lyrics including, “ rapist is you” weren’t discernible inside, defense attorney Damon Cheronis later complained to judge, “It’s this of atmosphere that makes it impossible for Mr. Weinstein to get a fair trial.”

Judge James Burke brushed off a defense motion to exclude any potential juror who heard commotion.

“You’re probably t aware of this, but people chant and protest outside this courthouse all time,” he said.

exchange reflected difficulties of picking a jury to decide fate of Weinstein, who’s pleed t guilty to charges he raped a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulted ar woman, Mimi Haleyi, in 2006. If convicted at a trial expected to last into March, 67-year-old ex-studio boss could face life in prison.

Hundreds of New Yorkers have been summoned for jury duty, with most dismissed when y indicated by a show of hands that y couldn’t keep an open mind about Weinstein.

After a fourth day of initial screening on Friday, court was expected to keep seeking more candidates next week for a final round of questioning .Both sides hope to have a jury in place for opening statements before end of this month.

On Thursday, Burke rejected a defense motion demanding he remove himself from trial after he dressed down Weinstein for repeatedly defying an order to stop texting in courtroom. judge a lso tried to calm nerves after hearing someone gasp when he told jury candidates it was ir sacred duty to serve.

re were furr distractions on Friday when defense asked judge to dismiss 32 potential jurors because y might have overheard a woman remarking that she couldn’t be an impartial juror because she has a “close friend who h an encounter with defendant in his hotel room.”

One of Weinstein's lawyers, Arthur Aidala, suggested having prospective jurors questioned individually and in private so y wouldn’t have to reveal personal information on sensitive topics “in front of international media."

“Denied!” Burke barked before lawyer could finish his argument. He called barring public and press from observing process “inconsistent with having an open, transparent jury selection” and “against law.”

case resumes Monday.

Im Source: AP