Harvey Weinstein Trial: Why Gigi Hadid Might Not Be A Juror

Gigi Hadid is unlikely to serve as a juror at film producer Harvey Weinstein’s controversial sexual assault case. New York criminal attorney Julie Rendelman explains why.

Gigi Hadid was one of the 120 potential jurors to participate in the Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault trial, but may not be one of the jurors as NYC criminal attorney Julie Rendelman revealed to a leading daily,

“I think it’s unlikely that Gigi Hadid will be chosen as a juror. Both sides have an opportunity to challenge any perspective juror. The prosecution is not likely to want the distraction. And the defense will question her ability to be fair.”

She further added, “Nobody is immune from being called to jury duty and being chosen as a juror. Judges, attorneys, politicians, and celebrities now must serve. New York has seen numerous celebrities, from Uma Thurman, to Madonna serve in the past. In this particular case, however, I think Ms. Hadid’s celebrity status, and more importantly, her relationship with potential witnesses in the case, make her sitting unlikely.”

“Both the prosecution and the defense have various opportunities to challenge a potential juror. A juror can be removed for cause if, for example, there is clear indication that they can’t be fair,” she continued. “Even if a potential juror states they can be fair and impartial, there is something called a ‘peremptory challenge’ which allows either side to remove a certain number of jurors simply because they don’t want them as a juror, as long as it is not based on a person’s race, gender etc. In this case, Ms. Hadid has expressed that she ‘thinks’ she’s able to keep an open mind. The lack of 100 percent assurance that she can be fair is something the defense can pursue to get her removed for cause.”

Famous film producer Harvey Weinstein was charged with two counts of predatory sexual assault, two counts of rape, and one count of a criminal sex act. Weinstein was first accused of sexual misconduct in 2017 in the #MeToo movement by a lot of women, including Hollywood A-Listers Rose McGowan, Angelina Jolie, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Gigi will appear at court next week where 12 jurors and six alternates will be chosen for the trial.