Harvey Weinstein extradited to Los Angeles to face sexual assault charges

Harvey Weinstein was extradited to California from New York on Tuesday to face rape and sexual assault charges, nearly a year after Los Angeles prosecutors asked that the convicted former film producer be moved.

Los Angeles prosecutors extradited Weinstein so he can face an 11-count indictment accusing him of attacking five women from 2004 to 2013.

“This morning at approximately 9:25 custody of Mr. Harvey Weinstein was handed over to the appropriate officials for transport to the state of California per a court order,” a statement said.

Weinstein’s lawyers have repeatedly pointed to his deteriorating health in bids to postpone his extradition.

“We will be fighting so that Harvey can receive his needed medical care and of course, so that he can be treated fairly. Due process, presumption of innocence and a fair trial are all still his right,” his team said.

Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case in Buffalo, New York, rejected further arguments by Weinstein’s legal team that the paperwork for the move had not been done, and that Weinstein should stay in New York to get needed medical care.

In March 2020, Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in a New York State prison, after being convicted of two felony sex crimes.  He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a production assistant in 2006 and third-degree rape of an aspiring actress in 2013.

He has continued to deny all charges, despite the insurmountable evidence presented against him.

The charges against Weinstein for rape and sexual assault were seen as the catalyst for igniting the worldwide #MeToo movement, where women globally revealed the extent of sexual abuse and harassment in industries around the world. Over 80 women in the film industry accused Weinstein of inappropriate behaviour, ranging from verbal harassment to rape.