Weinstein claims wrongful conviction; friends fear cancellation

As his retrial on rape and sexual assault charges proceeds in New York, former filmmaker Harvey Weinstein has publicly reiterated his claim of innocence in a rare on-camera interview with conservative commentator Candace Owens.

- TBG NETWORK

As per The Hollywood Reporter, the podcast episode marks Weinstein's first such appearance in nearly eight years. The timing of the interview is notable, as it coincided with the testimony of Jessica Mann, the final of three women to take the stand against Weinstein in the ongoing case.

The charges include allegations from Miriam Haley, who claims Weinstein forced oral sex on her in 2006, and Kaja Sokola, who says she endured a similar assault the same year.

Weinstein, a once-powerful Hollywood producer, began the interview by reading from a prepared statement in which he acknowledged personal failings but denied any criminal conduct.

"I believe women should be heard, but I'm wrongfully convicted," he said, adding, "Justice demands a clear, honest look at each case, and I am here for fairness and the truth," as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.