A New York judge has declared a mistrial on the final unresolved rape charge in Harvey Weinstein’s sex crimes retrial, following a juror’s refusal to continue deliberations. This came just a day after the jury delivered a partial verdict, convicting the disgraced Hollywood mogul of one sex crime while acquitting him of another.
The charge that deadlocked the jury involved Jessica Mann, who testified extensively about her alleged rape by Weinstein in a Manhattan hotel. Despite her detailed testimony and willingness to go through a third trial, no new court date has been set. Prosecutor Nicole Blumberg confirmed Mann’s readiness for another proceeding.
The jury foreperson cited feeling bullied by another juror and refused to re-enter the deliberation room, saying plainly, “No. I’m sorry.” Tensions in the jury room had escalated since last week, with multiple complaints of aggressive behavior and jurors discussing matters beyond the charges.
Judge Curtis Farber ended the deliberations after the foreperson reported fears of retaliation from another juror, who allegedly said, “You going to see me outside.” The foreperson told the court, “I feel afraid inside there.”
The third charge, involving third-degree rape, carried a lesser sentence under New York law than the two charges on which the jury reached a verdict. Weinstein, now 73, has denied all allegations and argued during proceedings that the trial had become unfair.
Weinstein’s original 2020 conviction, a landmark in the #MeToo era, was overturned last year, leading to this retrial. Prosecutors portrayed him as a predator who used his power to coerce and trap women, while the defense argued that his accusers were opportunists chasing fame and payouts.
Despite the mistrial, accuser Miriam Haley, whom Weinstein has now been convicted of assaulting twice, called the outcome a source of “hope.” Kaja Sokola, whose accusation resulted in an acquittal, still called the verdict “a big win for everyone.”
Weinstein also faces a separate conviction in California for rape, which he is appealing.
Swifteradio.com
