Harvey Weinstein’s rape and sexual-assault trial took a strangely star-studded turn Monday morning, when supermodel Gigi Hadid appeared in the Manhattan courtroom where his case is being tried — as a potential juror.
When Justice James Burke asked today’s pool of nearly 120 possible jurors whether they knew anyone in the courtroom, Hadid was one of several who raised their hands.
Shortly thereafter, a court officer gave Hadid a microphone. “I have met the defendant,†she said, maintaining a stoic facial expression. Burke asked whether she could still be impartial. “Yes,†Hadid answered without hesitating.
As with jury selection last week, Burke read a list of people who might be witnesses or merely mentioned at trial, such as Salma Hayek, Charlize Theron, and Rosie Perez. Burke asked the potential jurors whether they knew anyone on the list, and if so, whether they could be impartial.
Hadid stood again.
“I have met Salma Hayek and possibly Ryan Beatty,†said the supermodel, who wore a white shirt and oversize gray blazer, with her hair down. (It’s unclear whether or not this is Ryan Beatty the singer; that information was not revealed during any public court proceeding.)
Burke asked whether knowing either Hayek or Beatty would make her unfair.
“I think I’m still able to keep an open mind on the facts,†she said.
About an hour later, after several dozen were dismissed from serving on the Weinstein jury for reasons such as expressing bias, a court officer asked the thinned-out room, “Who can serve and who’s willing to serve?â€
Hadid raised her hand and was given a questionnaire.
Burke also alluded to claims from Weinstein’s defense team last week that several potential jurors had discussed the case on social media despite his clear instructions not to.
“They may be held in contempt of court and face serious consequences up to, and including, 30 days in jail and a significant fine,†Burke warned. “So don’t do that.â€
Update, January 14, 3:40 p.m.: A spokesperson for Ryan Beatty the singer said he has no involvement with the Weinstein case. More information on the Ryan Beatty mentioned was not revealed during any public court proceeding.
Update January 16, 9:30 a.m.: Supermodel Gigi Hadid was dismissed as a juror in Harvey Weinstein’s rape and sexual-assault trial, a spokesman for the New York State Office of Court Administration said Thursday morning. She was only at the courthouse for about 40 minutes this morning before being excused. Hadid’s role as a potential juror was revealed Monday, when she appeared in court as one of nearly 120 possible panelists — catching throngs of journalists and numerous court officers by surprise.
Weinstein’s lawyers complained about Hadid’s presence at court on Wednesday, arguing in a filing that her appearance “only contributes to the carnival-like atmosphere†surrounding Weinstein’s trial.