Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of sexual assault in a New York retrial, following the overturning of his previous conviction. Last year’s appeal deemed his 2020 trial unfair due to the inclusion of testimony from women whose allegations were outside the initial charges.
After a six-week trial and five days of deliberation, the jury unanimously convicted the former film mogul on one of three counts. A not guilty verdict was reached on another sexual assault charge, with deliberations ongoing regarding a rape charge.
This conviction adds to Weinstein’s existing 16-year sentence in Los Angeles. The New York retrial focused on the testimony of three women: former television production assistant Miriam Haley, actress Jessica Mann, and model Kaja Sokola, all of whom accused Weinstein of leveraging his influence in the entertainment industry to commit sexual abuse.
The jury found Weinstein guilty of assaulting Ms. Haley but not guilty of assaulting Ms. Sokola. Deliberations on the rape charge involving Ms. Mann will resume. Ms. Haley expressed hope that the verdict signals a shift in societal awareness surrounding sexual violence.
Weinstein’s spokesperson stated that the trial was “fair until jury deliberations,” citing juror complaints of preconceived notions and the use of personal beliefs as evidence. They indicated plans to explore potential appellate issues. The deliberations were reportedly tense, with accusations of jurors “attacking” each other and considering external factors beyond the presented evidence. The judge subsequently instructed the jury to focus solely on the allegations within the case.
Weinstein, who has cancer and diabetes, remained at Bellevue Hospital during the trial. The retrial centered on allegations from Ms. Mann and Ms. Haley, along with new allegations from Ms. Sokola, who accused Weinstein of assault at age 19. The jury found him not guilty on this charge. Ms. Sokola expressed relief at Weinstein’s partial accountability, highlighting the difficulty of coming forward and the importance of reclaiming her confidence.
All three women testified extensively about the alleged abuse, detailing encounters during meetings in hotels and Weinstein’s residences. The defense argued that the encounters were consensual, presenting messages exchanged between Weinstein and the accusers after the alleged events. The defense also attempted to challenge the credibility of the women’s accounts.
Weinstein faces over 100 accusations of sexual misconduct, assault, and rape. His California conviction, coupled with the New York verdict, virtually guarantees a life sentence. His case significantly impacted the #MeToo movement, highlighting abuses of power within Hollywood. Before the allegations, Weinstein and his brother were prominent figures in the industry, co-founding Miramax, responsible for films like *Shakespeare in Love* and *Pulp Fiction*. Weinstein also faced numerous civil lawsuits, culminating in a $19 million settlement in 2020.
Miriam Haley’s testimony highlighted the risks taken by victims to bring perpetrators to justice.
Production assistant Miriam Haley was a key witness in the retrial of the disgraced Hollywood mogul.
Weinstein’s retrial followed the overturning of a previous conviction, prompting new charges.
Weinstein’s health concerns led to his hospitalization during the trial.
The new charge related to a 2006 alleged assault in a Manhattan hotel.