Harvey Weinstein Criminal Proceedings Halted in UK

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Disgraced Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein will not be facing criminal charges of indecent assault in the UK, prosecutors said on Thursday.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was not enough evidence to keep pursuing the case, adding that there was "no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."

The charges stemmed from an alleged assault in London in 1996.

The CPS said in a statement: "We have explained our decision to all parties. We would always encourage any potential victims of sexual assault to come forward and report to police, and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met."

Although the decision brings an end to the UK's criminal proceedings against Weinstein, the former movie mogul's legal troubles are far from over.

Currently in custody in New York, Weinstein is awaiting a retrial on rape and sexual assault charges.

In 2020, Weinstein was found guilty for the sexual assault of former production assistant Miriam Haley and the rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann.

He was sentenced to 23 years in prison, but the rape conviction was overturned in April this year when New York's highest court found that the trial judge had allowed improper testimony unrelated to the case.

Weinstein, who has maintained his innocence, also faces legal battles in California. After his retrial in New York, he is set to serve a 16-year sentence in California for a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles, where he was found guilty in 2022 while already serving the 23-year sentence in New York.

Nearly 90 women have accused Weinstein, who produced films such as Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love of various forms of sexual misconduct.

Many have said the Oscar winner offered career help in return for sexual favors. The allegations stretch back nearly three decades.

Weinstein is currently in custody at Rikers Island in New York. The 72-year-old has faced several medical problems in prison, including cardiac issues and diabetes.

During his recent the courtroom appearances, he has been in a wheelchair and has not spoken during the hearings.