In New York, a significant chapter in the legal saga of Harvey Weinstein concluded on Thursday with the judge declaring a mistrial on a pending rape charge following a juror’s refusal to return to deliberations. This decision came just a day after the jury reached a split verdict on other counts in this high-profile #MeToo-era case. Prosecutors have expressed their readiness to try Weinstein, aged 73, on the unresolved charge again, setting the stage for yet another trial in New York. Simultaneously, Weinstein is preparing to face new sentencing for his previous conviction on a sexual assault charge.
Throughout the proceedings, Weinstein, once a powerful figure in Hollywood, maintained his innocence, consistently denying all accusations. Sitting in his wheelchair, his expression was described as blank and fatigued as court officers wheeled him away on Thursday. His defense attorney, Arthur Aidala, indicated an intention to appeal, publicly expressing concern over the propriety of the jury’s internal deliberations.
Weinstein is scheduled to return to court on July 2 to determine retrial and sentencing dates. His current conviction for a first-degree criminal sex act could result in a sentence of up to 25 years, while the unresolved third-degree rape charge carries a potential punishment of up to four years. He has remained incarcerated since his initial conviction in 2020 and has since been sentenced in a separate California case, which he is also appealing.
The jury, composed of seven women and five men, reached a decision on Wednesday, convicting Weinstein on one count of a criminal sex act while acquitting him on another related charge. Both addressed allegations of coerced oral sex dating back to 2006. However, unanimous agreement could not be reached regarding a rape charge involving Jessica Mann, who recounted experiences of assault amid a largely consensual relationship. Mann affirmed her perseverance and readiness to testify again to ensure justice.
Tensions inside the jury room began to surface publicly as early as Friday, with one juror requesting to be excused over perceived unfair treatment towards another juror. By Monday, the jury foreperson voiced concerns that some members were attempting to sway opinions improperly and discussing matters unrelated to the charges at hand. These issues culminated on Wednesday when the foreperson reported feeling intimidated by another juror and fearful of possible repercussions, mentioning comments that suggested future harassment.
Upon asking the foreperson if deliberations could resume, Judge Curtis Farber was met with refusal, prompting him to declare a mistrial on the unresolved count. Other jurors disputed the foreperson’s account post-court, with one, Chantan Holmes, attributing the foreperson’s decision to fatigue rather than mistreatment. Another juror described the debate as heated but respectful.
The initial 2020 conviction of Weinstein marked a significant moment for the #MeToo movement, emphasizing the fall of an influential figure accused of using his Hollywood clout to exploit and assault. However, this conviction was later overturned, leading to a court-ordered retrial. Weinstein’s accusers depicted him as a manipulative figure who used his status to entrap young women aspiring for careers. Conversely, his defense argued that these women were willing participants, initially engaging with Weinstein for career advancement and later alleging victimization for financial settlements and public sympathy.
Miriam Haley, one of Weinstein’s accusers, expressed optimism following the latest verdict, viewing it as a justified outcome after enduring the legal ordeal for so long. Meanwhile, another accuser, Kaja Sokola, regarded the verdict as a collective win, despite Weinstein’s acquittal regarding her allegations. Holmes reiterated that Sokola’s testimony was not convincing to the jury. The Associated Press generally does not disclose the identities of sexual assault victims without their consent, but Haley, Mann, and Sokola have all agreed to be named publicly.