Harvey Weinstein Rape Retrial Begins in New York

Jury selection began on April 14, 2026, in Manhattan for the third retrial of former film producer Harvey Weinstein. The proceedings, overseen by Judge Curtis Farber, are focused on a third-degree rape charge involving aspiring actress and hairstylist Jessica Mann.

The case centers on allegations that Weinstein raped Mann in a Manhattan hotel in 2013. This specific charge previously resulted in a hung jury, leading to the current retrial proceedings at the Manhattan Criminal Court on the 13th floor of 100 Centre Street.

Legal Strategy and New Representation

Weinstein’s legal defense has undergone a significant shift in recent months. In February 2026, longtime attorney Arthur Aidala stepped aside from the retrial to prioritize the former producer’s civil matters and appeals. He was replaced by Marc Agnifilo and his partners.

Agnifilo has indicated that the approach to this trial will differ from previous attempts. He stated to Judge Farber in March 2026 that the proceeding it’s not going to be a mirror image of the last trial.

Unlike previous trials in New York and Los Angeles, which featured an array of different allegations, this retrial is narrower in scope. Jurors will weigh only one charge based on the testimony of a single accuser, Jessica Mann.

Judge Farber has indicated he may revisit previous rulings regarding the specific evidence that will be presented concerning the years of interactions between Weinstein and Mann.

Court Appearances and Pleas

Weinstein appeared in court on April 14, 2026, which coincided with his 74th birthday. Observers noted visible drooping on one side of his face during the appearance.

The former producer has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He previously declined plea negotiations, stating he would not admit to the allegation. During a court appearance in the winter of 2025-2026, Weinstein stated that he had acted wrongly, but I never assaulted anyone.

Industry Context and Background

Weinstein was once one of the most powerful figures in the entertainment industry. He built a reputation through the production of critically acclaimed and popular films, including Shakespeare in Love, Pulp Fiction, and Chocolat.

His career and public standing collapsed in 2017 following a series of reports detailing sexual harassment and sex assault allegations, which served as a catalyst for the #MeToo movement. These events led to criminal charges in New York in 2018 and in Los Angeles in 2020.

The current proceedings represent the latest chapter in a years-long period of legal peril and imprisonment for the former mogul, as prosecutors continue to pursue a conviction tied to the 2013 incident with Mann.

The legal team present for the start of jury selection included prosecutors Shannon Lucie and her team, as well as defense attorneys Marc Agnifilo, Jacob Kaplan, and Teny Geragos.