Harvey Weinstein's Legal Woes: Casey Anthony's Lawyer Exits, Donna Rotunno Steps In

Harvey Weinstein has hired a new defense lawyer, only this time, it's a woman. Donna Rotunno, a Chicago-area attorney who is known for representing men who have been accused of sexual assault, is the newest addition to the ever-revolving legal team that the former film producer has attempted to surround himself with.

According to Law & Crime, Rotunno will be stepping in to defend the producer in New York Supreme Court, where he faces charges of rape and sexual assault. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty and has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

In February 2018, Chicago Magazine published a profile of Rotunno where she stated that she can "get away with a lot more in a courtroom" than her male colleagues when it comes to cross-examining a female because of her sex.

Recently, Rotunno also divulged to The Wall Street Journal that she has never "subscribed" to the #MeToo movement, saying, "I believe women are responsible for the choices they make." Additionally, Rotunno said that she hoped her decision to represent the disgraced movie mogul would inspire women to take responsibility for their actions and that it would "say to women, 'Maybe don't go to their hotel room.'"

Rotunno's inclusion into Weinstein's legal team is the newest in a string of failed attempts to find a proper fit. Reportedly, fights over strategy caused the exit of defense attorney Benjamin Brafman earlier this year, which was followed by Casey Anthony's lawyer Jose Baez, who vacated the position last month.

When discussing his decision to leave the legal team, Baez said that Weinstein "engaged in behavior that makes this representation unreasonably difficult," and added that he has had "fundamental disagreements" about Weinstein's actions, as reported by Reuters.

Weinstein's trial, where he will face charges of first-degree rape, third-degree rape, predatory sexual assault, and criminal sexual act in the first degree, is set to begin on Sept. 9.