Gigi Hadid Called As Potential Juror in Harvey Weinstein’s Trial
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Supermodel #GigiHadid has been called as a potential juror in disgraced film mogul #HarveyWeinstein’s sex assault case. The runway model wore an oversize men’s blazer over a white shirt as she strolled into the Manhattan courtroom with 119 other prospective panelists Monday on the fifth day of jury selection.
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“Anyone believe you know me, the defendant or anyone of the lawyers?” Justice James Burke asked the potential jurors. Hadid raised her hand. After the judge called on her, she stood up in the jury box and identified herself as #JelenaHadid.
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“I have met the defendant,” Hadid said.
“Do you think you can be a fair and impartial juror in this case?” asked Burke, as Weinstein looked on from the defense table. “Yes,” replied Hadid, who recently made media headlines for rekindling her longtime romance with singer #ZaynMalik.
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The judge went on to read a list of more than 80 names of potential witnesses and people who may be referenced during testimony, including Salma Hayek, Charlize Theron and Rosie Perez. He asked the prospective panelists if anyone knew them, to which Hadid again raised her hand.
“I have met #SalmaHayek and possibly #RyanBeatty,” she said.
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The judge asked Hadid if there was anything about having met them that would interfere with her ability to be fair in Weinstein’s trial. “I think I’m still able to keep an open mind on the facts,” she replied. After dozens of jurors were dismissed, Hadid remained behind to fill out a questionnaire. The supermodel royalty was ordered to return to court next week where she will join other pre-screened panelists from which 12 jurors and six alternates will be selected.
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Weinstein is charged with two counts of predatory sex assault, two counts of rape and one count of criminal sex act, stemming from the allegations of three women.
His trial is set to begin Jan. 22. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
