Judge declares mistrial in Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial after jury deadlocked
NEW YORK — Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial came to a halt on Friday as the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial. This closely watched #MeToo-era case has now ended in a deadlock for the second time, leaving the New York rape charge in a state of uncertainty after three trials.
While Weinstein has been convicted of other sex crimes in different parts of the United States and is currently serving time in prison, the mistrial has put the New York rape charge on hold. The former Hollywood mogul was accused of raping Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actor, in 2013 during a tumultuous relationship between the two. Weinstein’s defense argued that the encounter was consensual.
The jury, predominantly male, deliberated on whether Weinstein committed the rape as alleged by Mann. Signs of a stalemate surfaced on the third day of deliberations when the jury informed the judge that they were unable to reach a unanimous decision. Judge Curtis Farber instructed them to continue deliberating, as is customary in such situations.
Weinstein’s 2020 conviction in New York on charges involving Mann and another accuser was overturned by an appeals court. A retrial was held last year, but jury deliberations broke down, leading to the current retrial. In this latest trial, Weinstein faces one count of rape in the third degree.
Mann, now 40, testified that while she willingly engaged in some sexual encounters with Weinstein, the incident in question involved unwanted sexual advances despite her repeated refusals. Weinstein’s defense highlighted Mann’s continued interactions with Weinstein after the alleged assault, pointing to her expressions of warmth towards him. Mann explained that her feelings towards Weinstein were complex and conflicted.
In 2017, following a wave of allegations against Weinstein that sparked the #MeToo movement, Mann’s perspective on the encounter shifted. Some of these allegations led to criminal convictions against Weinstein in New York and California.
Weinstein, 74, has admitted to acting inappropriately but has consistently denied assaulting anyone. The jury in the recent trial heard nearly three weeks of testimony, with Mann testifying for five days. Weinstein chose not to take the stand in his defense.
As a general practice, The Associated Press refrains from identifying individuals who claim to have been sexually assaulted. However, Mann has given her consent to be named in this case.
