Harvey Weinstein gets approval to use Casey Anthony's lawyer Jose Baez

The judge in his New York case approved the removal of his other lawyer.

January 25, 2019, 11:20 AM

The Harvey Weinstein legal drama is entering a new chapter as the disgraced movie mogul is now working with a new lawyer.

Weinstein, who has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the face of his sexual assault and misconduct allegations, will be represented by attorney Jose Baez going forward.

Baez is best known for having represented Casey Anthony, whose murder trial gained national attention before she was acquitted.

The New York State Supreme Court judge overseeing Weinstein's case, where he faces five felony sex crimes including rape, approved the withdrawal of Benjamin Brafman as Weinstein's attorney on Friday.

"I wish him the best of luck with his case," Brafman said outside of court.

PHOTO: Part of film producer Harvey Weinstein's new legal team, attorneys Ronald Sullivan and Jose Baez speak, following a hearing at New York Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City,  Jan. 25, 2019.
Part of film producer Harvey Weinstein's new legal team, attorneys Ronald Sullivan and Jose Baez speak, following a hearing at New York Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, Jan. 25, 2019.
Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Baez also represented actress Rose McGowan in a cocaine possession case that had ties to Weinstein. But the judge in Weinstein's case said that Baez cannot use any information obtained in the course of representing the actress, who has accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct.

"We owe her a duty of confidentiality," Baez said of McGowan.

PHOTO: Harvey Weinstein arrives State Supreme Court in Manhattan with his new team of lawyers Jose Baez (2nd L), Ronald Sullivan (L) in N.Y., Jan. 25, 2019.
Harvey Weinstein arrives State Supreme Court in Manhattan with his new team of lawyers Jose Baez (2nd L), Ronald Sullivan (L) in N.Y., Jan. 25, 2019.
Timothy A CLary/AFP/Getty Images

Asked why he decided to take on Weinstein’s defense, Baez said, "This case is testing the presumption of innocence in our country ... he should be entitled to the same presumption as everyone else."

Baez said Weinstein "is innocent."

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