Canosa v. Weinstein

Background

Alexandra Canosa sought the deposition of Robert Weinstein, a non-party, in her pending case involving claims against Harvey Weinstein and other defendants. The opinion text includes Canosa’s February 9, 2021 letter responding to Robert Weinstein’s request to cancel his deposition. The letter said Robert Weinstein challenged the relevance of his testimony.

Canosa’s lawyers argued that Robert Weinstein had been deeply involved in The Weinstein Company and possessed information about Harvey Weinstein’s workplace conduct, alleged sexual misconduct, and other allegations or settlements involving Harvey Weinstein. They also argued that his testimony could be relevant to Canosa’s remaining claims, including claims for battery, assault, emotional distress, sexual assault, false imprisonment, violations of New York and New York City human-rights laws, trafficking, and claims under California law. These points were arguments in Canosa’s letter, not findings resolving those claims.

Court’s Ruling

The court stated that Robert Weinstein likely had relevant testimony to offer and that there was no basis for any further adjournment of his deposition. The court therefore ordered that the deposition go forward by March 12, 2021. The order addressed the deposition and did not decide the ultimate merits of Canosa’s claims or state whether any evidence obtained would be admissible at trial.