NEW YORK — When Miriam Haley shared her thoughts on returning to court after Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 #MeToo conviction was annulled, she was candid: “I definitely don’t want to actually go through that again.”
Nevertheless, Haley courageously became the first witness on Tuesday in the retrial of the disgraced film mogul, as prosecutors aim to secure another conviction. Weinstein, now 73, maintains his innocence, having pled not guilty to the charges of sexual assault.
During her testimony, Haley swiftly made her way to the witness stand without making eye contact with Weinstein, who watched her intently from his seat among his legal team. Jury members listened as she recalled crossing paths with Weinstein during the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, where her intentions were solely professional.
Haley explained that while she was seeking employment, Weinstein made inappropriate comments about her appearance, suggested massages, and behaved objectionably. Asked by prosecutor Nicole Blumberg whether she had any romantic interest in Weinstein, the 48-year-old replied emphatically, “No, I did not, and I was there to try and find work.” At the time, she was working as an assistant to another producer.
Although her current testimony closely mirrors what she told the jury previously, Haley hasn’t yet reached the episode from July 2006, where she claims Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her. She described earlier encounters with him as a mix of uncomfortable personal incidents and positive professional encouragements.
After the Cannes incident, she felt humiliated and left in tears. Yet, when Weinstein secured her a job on his company’s reality series, “Project Runway,” in June 2006, she accepted the position. Following her brief stint, Haley expressed her gratitude via email, prompting Weinstein to commend her and invite her to meet at a Manhattan hotel. In the courtroom, her 2006 calendar marked this meeting.
Recollecting that they discussed business that day, she described Weinstein as “very respectful and quite charming,” with talk of future opportunities but absolutely no flirtation. She reiterated to the prosecutor that the interactions were devoid of any romantic or sexual undertones.
Haley further detailed another meeting in his office and a ride back to her apartment with him and his team, which she similarly characterized as a pleasant experience until Weinstein mentioned an invitation to Paris fashion shows. Although uninterested, she attempted to navigate the situation politely. Weinstein’s persistent attempts included unannounced visits to her apartment.
In one encounter, attempting to deflect his advances, Haley mentioned Weinstein’s reputed behavior with women, causing him to act defensively. Though she hadn’t heard such rumors at that time, it effectively ended the Paris discussion. Ultimately, Weinstein left her apartment, and the pressure subsided.
The allegations surrounding Weinstein are a crucial part of the broader #MeToo movement, advocating for accountability against powerful individuals engaging in inappropriate behavior towards women. Haley, also known as Mimi Haleyi, is slated to continue her testimony.
This retrial follows a ruling from New York’s highest court, citing “egregious” errors and biased testimony that marred the original trial. Alongside Haley’s charges, Weinstein faces allegations from Jessica Mann—declaring he raped her in 2013—and a new claim involving former model Kaja Sokola, who claims Weinstein forced oral sex on her in 2006.
Both Mann and Sokola are anticipated to provide their accounts during the trial. Weinstein’s defense counters, claiming that all interactions were consensual exchanges for career advancement.
Weinstein’s accusers, including Haley, Mann, and Sokola, have allowed their identities to be publicly shared for the trial, emphasizing their willingness to confront the former studio head.
This story also corrects previous information, noting that Haley is 48, not 47, affirming the ongoing battle for justice and truth in the courtroom.