Weinstein's initial conviction was overturned because the New York Court of Appeals determined that the trial judge improperly allowed testimony from women whose allegations were not part of the formal charges, potentially prejudicing the jury.

Weinstein faces charges for allegedly raping an aspiring actor in 2013 and performing a criminal sex act on a production assistant in 2006. There is also a new allegation from a third woman, who claims he forced oral sex on her in 2006.

This retrial is seen as a test of the enduring power of the #MeToo movement and whether the justice system can remain focused on the evidence rather than the social status of the defendant.

Weinstein's health is reportedly deteriorating while he is incarcerated at Rikers Island. He claims to suffer from cancer and other health issues.

In the retrial, prosecutors will provide a narrower case, focusing only on the specific allegations in the indictment, and will not include as much testimony from additional witnesses as in the original trial.