Harvey Weinstein Retrial Ends in Mistrial on Rape Charge

⁣ ​ Updated June 13, 2025
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NEW YORK—A New York judge declared a mistrial Thursday in Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault retrial, specifically regarding the charge of rape. The decision came after the⁢ jury foreperson voiced serious concerns about the‍ deliberation process, marking an anticlimactic end ​to the ⁣weeks-long ⁤proceedings. ⁣This advancement follows Weinstein’s conviction on one count of sexual assault earlier‍ in the week, alongside ⁢an acquittal⁢ on another similar charge.

The jury, composed primarily of ⁢women, had previously found the⁢ 73-year-old former movie producer guilty‍ of forcing oral sex on Mimi Haley, a former production assistant at the Weinstein Co., in 2006. However, they ⁢acquitted him of ⁢a similar charge involving Kaja Sokola, a former model. The jury remained deadlocked on ⁢the⁣ third ‍charge, which accused Weinstein of raping Jessica Mann, an aspiring actor, in 2013.‍ The role of the jury foreperson became ⁤central to the mistrial decision.

Weinstein’s retrial occurred ‍five years after his initial conviction in February 2020 for rape and a felony sex ⁤crime related to allegations from Mann ⁤and Haley.He received a 23-year prison sentence after that conviction, tho he was acquitted ​on two counts ⁤of predatory ⁤sexual assault at the time. The sexual assault allegations⁤ have dogged Weinstein for years.

Judge Curtis Farber had been informed⁤ by the foreperson that he felt bullied during deliberations. The foreperson reported‍ that ⁢another ​juror ⁢yelled at him for maintaining his opinion and threatened him. according to court transcripts, the foreperson told the judge and attorneys, “I⁢ feel afraid inside there.” He stated Thursday that he ‍would not return to the jury room, prompting⁤ Farber to‍ declare⁤ the mistrial. The ⁤ mistrial throws the ⁢case’s future into uncertainty.

The mistrial ‍declaration occurred weeks after Farber‍ denied a previous request from Weinstein’s legal team for a mistrial,‌ which stemmed from courtroom‍ tensions involving Mann. Despite the setback, Manhattan prosecutor nicole blumberg stated that Mann is ⁣prepared to undergo a third trial. A new trial date ​has not yet​ been set.

The retrial, which​ began April 23, featured emotional testimony from Haley and Mann, who returned to the ‌stand. Sokola, who did not testify in the 2020 trial, also provided testimony.Weinstein pleaded not guilty, with his defense arguing that the alleged sexual ⁣encounters were consensual.

What’s⁣ next

The Manhattan District attorney’s office will decide ​whether to pursue a third trial against Weinstein on the remaining rape charge. The decision will likely hinge⁣ on ⁤the strength of the evidence and the willingness of Jessica Mann to⁤ testify again.