The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has discontinued indecent assault charges against former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in the UK, citing insufficient evidence. Weinstein, 72, was initially charged in 2022 with two counts of indecent assault stemming from alleged offences involving a woman in London in 1996.
Following a review, the CPS concluded that “there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction,” prompting the decision to drop the case. Frank Ferguson, head of the special crime and counter-terrorism division at the CPS, explained that they are obligated to continuously review cases and “have explained our decision to all parties.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the alleged victim is now in her 50s. Despite the discontinuation of these charges, Ferguson encouraged survivors of sexual assault to come forward, assuring the public that the CPS will prosecute cases where evidence meets the legal threshold.
Weinstein is currently serving a 23-year sentence in New York after being convicted in 2020 of rape and sexual assault. However, his conviction was overturned by a New York appeals court earlier this year, granting him a retrial. He remains in custody at Rikers Island in New York while awaiting the retrial.
Weinstein also faces a separate 16-year sentence from a California rape trial, which he is appealing. Over 100 individuals have come forward with allegations of rape and misconduct against Weinstein, with accusations dating back to the late 1970s.
Weinstein, who co-founded the Miramax film studio and produced numerous award-winning films such as Shakespeare in Love and Pulp Fiction, has denied all allegations, claiming he was the victim of a “set-up.” His conviction in New York helped galvanize the #MeToo movement, which challenged sexual abuse by powerful men in various industries.
In 2020, Weinstein was stripped of his honorary CBE, which had been awarded for his contributions to the British film industry.