• Jessica Mann accuses Harvey Weinstein of rape after a complex relationship that started consensually. In an emotional testimony, the Weinstein accuser breaks down while recounting her experiences.
• She stayed silent for months due to fear and hope for career opportunities.
• Weinstein’s defense claims the relationship was mutually beneficial to advance her acting career.

Jessica Mann Details Complex Relationship With Harvey Weinstein

Jessica Mann testified on Monday in Harvey Weinstein’s sex crimes retrial. She described a relationship that began with consent but turned into rape. Mann said Weinstein often made her feel important and “validated.” Yet, when she refused his advances, “the monster side would come out.” She is the last of three accusers to testify in the trial. Weinstein denies all charges and says he never assaulted or raped anyone.

Early Encounters and Professional Ambitions Shape Their Interaction

Mann, a hairstylist and cosmetologist, met Weinstein at a party around late 2012 or early 2013. At 27, she had just moved to Los Angeles to start an acting career. Weinstein showed interest in her ambitions. They met several times after that. Sometimes they discussed work, but other moments crossed personal boundaries. Weinstein asked Mann for a massage, which she gave reluctantly. He invited her to an Oscars party, where she wore a high school prom dress. Mann said she didn’t feel attracted to Weinstein. At first, she rejected his sexual advances. But he performed oral sex on her, telling her she couldn’t leave unless she “let him do something.” Mann felt confused and “defiled,” yet later agreed to some consensual encounters with him. She worried about her career and thought maybe being in a relationship with Weinstein would change things.

The New York Hotel Incident Turns Violent

In March 2013, Mann traveled to New York with a friend. They planned to meet Weinstein for breakfast. But Weinstein arrived early and got a hotel room at Mann’s hotel. Mann protested but eventually went upstairs with him to avoid a scene. On the witness stand, she broke down crying while recalling the moment. She told Weinstein, “I don’t want to do this,” but he shut the door behind her. He demanded she undress and grabbed her arms. Mann said she gave up trying to resist. She believes he injected himself with a drug to get an erection because she later found the vial in the bathroom trash. Weinstein then raped her.

Silence Followed Out of Fear and Doubt

Mann never told anyone about the rape. She feared no one would believe her. She also worried about retaliation from Weinstein, who had many powerful connections. Despite the trauma, she kept contact with him. Over the next months, she brought up a possible movie role. Weinstein set up an audition, but it went nowhere. Emails revealed she thanked him and sent compliments. She gave him her phone number and asked if he would be in Los Angeles for her birthday. Mann said she “compartmentalized” Weinstein’s abusive side from the friendly side. She believed he had “good sides.” Mann tried to keep the peace with politeness and flattery while quietly maintaining some distance.

Rejecting Money, Maintaining Integrity

In summer 2013, Weinstein’s office wanted to send Mann a package. She refused to accept it. The emails did not explain the package contents, but Mann said it contained cash. Even though she was broke at the time, Mann said she was “not for sale.” She stood firm against the offer, showing her resistance despite the pressure.

Defense Claims a Mutually Beneficial Relationship

Weinstein’s lawyers have not yet questioned Mann. In opening statements, his defense lawyer argued that Mann had a “mutually beneficial relationship” with Weinstein. The defense claims she tried to advance her career by staying close to the powerful producer. They suggest Mann willingly engaged in the relationship for professional gain.

Weinstein’s Fall From Power and Current Trial Status

Once a major Hollywood figure, Weinstein became a symbol of sexual misconduct after multiple allegations surfaced in 2017. The revelations fueled the #MeToo movement worldwide. Weinstein faced convictions for sex crimes in New York and California. However, a New York appeals court overturned one conviction due to prejudicial testimony. This new trial focuses on charges that he raped Mann and forced oral sex on two other women in 2006.