NY appeals court denies Harvey Weinstein's bid for appeal in sex abuse case

• Harvey Weinstein's 2020 conviction on rape and sex assault charges has been upheld by a New York appeals court.
• The five-judge appellate panel issued the unanimous ruling on Thursday, denying Weinstein's appeal bid.

Disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein's 2020 conviction on rape and sex assault charges has been upheld by a New York appeals court.

The five-judge appellate panel issued the unanimous ruling on Thursday, denying Weinstein's appeal bid in his New York sex crimes case.

"[W]e reject defendant's arguments, and affirm the conviction in all respects," the court said in its 45-page ruling.

The court added, "We perceive no basis for reducing the sentence, and we have considered defendant's remaining arguments and find them unavailing."

In March 2020, Weinstein, 70, was hit with a 23-year prison sentence for raping an aspiring actress and sexually abusing a TV and film production assistant.

More than 80 women accused the fallen Hollywood kingpin of sexual misconduct in October 2017 following investigations from The New York Times and The New Yorker.

The accusations sparked the #MeToo movement and ultimately led to rape and sexual assault charges against Weinstein from the Manhattan District Attorney's office in the spring of 2018.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg hailed Thursday's ruling by the appellate division of the New York State Supreme Court.

"We are gratified by today's decision, which upholds a monumental conviction that changed the way prosecutors and courts approach complex prosecutions of sexual predators," Bragg said in a statement.

He continued, "I am grateful to the brave survivors in this case for their remarkable courage and candor, as well as the jurors who dedicated their time and effort to securing a fair and just verdict."

Last year, a Los Angeles County grand jury brought an 11-count indictment accusing Weinstein of sexually assaulting five different women.

Weinstein was extradited to Los Angeles where he is awaiting trial on those sexual assault charges.