NEW YORK — Emotions ran high in the courtroom Friday as Miriam Haley, one of the women who has accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, tearfully responded to intense questioning at Weinstein’s retrial, revisiting allegations stemming from nearly twenty years ago. “He was the one who raped me, not the other way around,” Haley told the jury, pushing back against the narrative proposed by defense attorney Jennifer Bonjean. Despite Bonjean’s insistence that it’s for the jury to decide, Haley defended her account, firmly stating that her experience should not be doubted.
The proceedings were temporarily paused by Judge Curtis Farber to manage the emotional atmosphere and reset the decorum of the court. Visibly affected, Haley held her composure but occasionally revealed frustration during resumed questioning. As the exchanges between Haley and the defense attorney grew more heated, Judge Farber, highlighting the unusual nature of the proceedings, resorted to using the gavel, something he admitted he hasn’t done in over a decade.
Weinstein is facing charges for sexually assaulting Haley, as well as two other women, Kaja Sokola and Jessica Mann, both expected to provide testimony as well. Weinstein has consistently denied the allegations, with his defense team arguing that the encounters were consensual with women seeking to climb Hollywood’s professional ladder.
Haley, also known professionally as Mimi Haleyi, is the first to testify in this retrial, prompted by an appeals court overturning Weinstein’s earlier conviction. Her previous testimony in the 2020 trial concluded in just one day. Detailing her experiences, Haley described being forcibly restrained by Weinstein at his apartment, a place she visited following an invitation she felt compelled to accept due to his influence over her career prospects.
Haley recounted to the jury how Weinstein overpowered her, despite her resistance, echoing the assault narrative she had shared with friends shortly after the incident occurred. Her intentions to keep things professional with Weinstein clashed starkly with the reality of the assault, Haley testified. Meanwhile, Weinstein, seated in the courtroom, maintained his focus as Haley dismissed any romantic interest or desire for sexual intimacy with him.
The defense probed into Haley’s decision to visit Weinstein’s loft and subsequent interactions with him post-alleged assault. Bonjean raised questions about Haley’s actions and reactions during the incident and afterward, including a hotel encounter where she claimed to have gone emotionally numb.
Haley and Weinstein maintained some contact over the years, seeking his assistance for career opportunities, engaging in what Bonjean suggested might be complex and contradictory interactions. These details were further scrutinized to test the credibility of Haley’s allegations. Yet, Haley stood firm that these professional aspirations didn’t negate the sexual assault.
Questions extended to Haley’s lifestyle, acquaintances, and a resolved lawsuit against Weinstein in 2020, which concluded with a monetary settlement. The courtroom drama showcased the raw confrontation between the accuser’s emotional recount and the rigorous tactics of the defense, setting the stage for a pivotal chapter in Harvey Weinstein’s legal battles.