• A Polish model accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, claiming it was part of a financial scheme to escape an abusive marriage. This highlights the challenges Polish Model Faces in high-profile legal battles.
• Sokola received significant payouts from Weinstein’s bankruptcy and later settled for $3 million with his companies.
• Weinstein faces retrial for the 2006 alleged assault, and Sokola continues her testimony in court, showing the difficulties Polish Model Faces in seeking justice.

Polish Model Accused of Falsifying Weinstein Assault Claims

Kaja Sokola, a Polish model, is accused of lying about being sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein. Her claims are part of an alleged scheme to escape her abusive relationship and gain financial support. Weinstein’s lawyer, Michael Cibella, presented this argument in court, claiming that Sokola made up the assault story to get money. Sokola, 39, received significant financial compensation through a victim fund after Weinstein’s bankruptcy. Cibella pointed out that this money may have been her way of justifying her decision to leave an abusive marriage.

Motive Behind Sokola’s Alleged Lies

Cibella argued that Sokola fabricated the assault story to help her escape her difficult marriage. According to him, Sokola needed financial support to leave her abusive ex-husband. She reportedly received $475,000 from a victim compensation fund established through Weinstein’s bankruptcy. Later, she settled for $3 million with Disney, Miramax, and Bob Weinstein. Cibella also noted that Sokola left her abusive relationship after receiving this large payout. He suggested that she used the Weinstein claim as a way to secure financial independence and start a new life, illustrating the troubles Polish Model Faces.

Sokola’s Immigration Situation and Move to the US

Sokola’s move to the US shortly after receiving the compensation raises further questions. Cibella highlighted that Sokola moved just two months after getting the nearly $500,000 payout. During the court proceedings, Sokola confirmed that she is applying for a “U” visa, which allows crime victims to stay in the US. She also mentioned that the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office supports her visa application because of her testimony against Weinstein. This statement could influence the perception of her motivations, as it suggests that her legal status in the US may be tied to her participation in the case, a scenario Polish Model Faces during legal proceedings.

Prosecutor Denies Defense Claims

Prosecutor Shannon Lucey strongly disagreed with Cibella’s arguments. She dismissed the defense’s claims as “far-fetched” and unsubstantiated. Lucey called the defense’s suggestions weak and unlikely to impact the jury’s decision. Judge Curtis Farber also intervened, telling the jury to disregard some of Cibella’s questions. He believed that Cibella’s questioning went too far into Sokola’s personal life, particularly her relationship with her ex-husband, whom she divorced in late 2020. Farber’s ruling aimed to keep the focus on the case at hand rather than on Sokola’s private matters.

Details of the Alleged Assaults by Weinstein

Sokola gave detailed testimony about her alleged encounters with Weinstein. She said that the first assault occurred in 2002 when she was just 16 years old and starting her modeling career. Sokola claimed that Weinstein invited her to lunch but instead took her to his SoHo loft. Once there, she said he touched her inappropriately and forced her to touch him. Sokola also claimed that she continued to have contact with Weinstein over the years, hoping he would help her career.

Additional Claims of Sexual Misconduct

Sokola described more incidents of alleged sexual misconduct by Weinstein. In 2004, she claimed that Weinstein groped her breast during a car ride. Sokola said she resisted his advances during the ride, which lasted about 15 minutes, until she was dropped off at the gym. In 2006, Sokola met Weinstein again at a hotel restaurant. She was with her older sister, a cardiologist, and wanted to impress her by showing her progress in the acting world. According to Sokola, Weinstein invited her to his hotel room to discuss a script. Once in the room, she claimed that Weinstein orally raped her.

Emotional Testimony About Career Disappointments

During her testimony on Friday afternoon, Sokola became emotional as she spoke about how Weinstein impacted her career. She described feeling heartbroken when he failed to help her achieve her acting dreams. Sokola explained that she believed Weinstein could make her a successful actress. He promised to secure her a role in a film with a well-known actress. However, instead of a significant role, she ended up as an extra in The Nanny Diaries. Her scene was eventually cut from the final film, which Sokola said was a major blow to her career. She expressed deep disappointment in how Weinstein’s promises ultimately led her nowhere.

Sokola’s Continued Testimony and Weinstein’s Legal Battle

Sokola is expected to continue her testimony in court on Tuesday. The trial will only address the 2006 assault that Sokola claims took place, excluding the earlier alleged incidents. This is the first time Sokola has testified against Weinstein, unlike other victims who spoke out during his 2020 trial. Weinstein’s previous conviction for sexual assault was overturned last year. Now, he faces the possibility of a new trial and additional charges. If convicted again, Weinstein could face up to 25 years in prison for the 2006 assault.