UK Drops Indecent Assault Charges Against Harvey Weinstein

British prosecutors have dropped indecent assault charges against former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, citing a lack of realistic prospects for conviction. The charges were linked to an alleged assault in London in 1996. Weinstein remains convicted on separate charges in the U.S. and faces a potential retrial.

British prosecutors announced on Thursday that they have discontinued indecent assault charges against former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The decision was made after concluding there was no realistic chance of securing a conviction.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had authorised charges against Weinstein two years ago, alleging an assault in London in August 1996. According to the police, the accusation involved a woman now in her 50s. Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS' Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, stated, 'Following a review of the evidence in this case, the CPS has decided to discontinue criminal proceedings against Harvey Weinstein.'

Weinstein, 72, was previously found guilty of rape allegations in the United States in 2020 and was sentenced to 23 years in prison. However, his Manhattan conviction was recently overturned, and he faces a possible retrial in November. Weinstein continues to deny any wrongdoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)