Harvey Weinstein judge declares mistrial on rape charge, 3rd sex crimes trial planned

In a notable development from the Manhattan courtroom, the judge presiding over the criminal trial of former Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein declared a mistrial on one of the rape charges he faced on Thursday, June 12.

This ruling came the day after Weinstein was convicted of a separate felony sex abuse offense and acquitted on another count. The mistrial was prompted by the jury foreperson, who informed Justice Curtis Farber of the state Supreme Court that they could no longer deliberate for a sixth consecutive day, following reports of dissension among jury members.

The unresolved charge that resulted in the mistrial is third-degree rape, linked to allegations made by aspiring actress Jessica Mann concerning an incident in 2013. Prosecutors have stated their intention to proceed with a third trial for Weinstein specifically on this count, and a hearing has been scheduled for July 2.

Earlier, on Wednesday, June 11, the jury delivered a mixed verdict on the remaining two charges. Weinstein was found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual act regarding alleged conduct involving former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006. Conversely, he was acquitted of the same charge related to accusations by aspiring actress Kaja Sokola from 2002.

Weinstein, 73, has consistently pleaded not guilty to the charges and denies ever assaulting anyone or engaging in non-consensual sex. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the recent conviction, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 25 years in prison.

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Arthur Aidala, Weinstein's lawyer, claimed his team possessed "very powerful evidence of gross jury misconduct" during the trial, including allegations that jurors considered outside information about Weinstein's behavior.

Weinstein's dramatic fall from grace, beginning in 2017, became a catalyst for the global #MeToo movement, which encouraged women to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against powerful figures across various industries.

Prosecutors in Manhattan argued that Weinstein exploited his considerable power and influence to trap and abuse women. In contrast, the defense maintained that Weinstein's accusers were untruthful, suggesting they fabricated their stories out of spite after their consensual encounters failed to advance their careers in Hollywood.

This recent trial was a retrial ordered after New York state's highest court overturned Weinstein's original 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence last year. That prior conviction also involved charges related to Jessica Mann and Miriam Haley.

Beyond the proceedings in New York, Weinstein is simultaneously appealing a separate rape conviction and a 16-year prison sentence he received in California in 2022.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg characterized Wednesday's verdict as a successful outcome for his office. He dismissed concerns about jury misconduct, viewing the disagreements among jurors as indicative of a vigorous exchange of ideas during deliberations. Bragg also expressed deep gratitude to Weinstein's accusers for their resilience and willingness to come forward.

Bragg emphasized the pressure faced by the accusers, stating, "They were accused of being money hungry, they were called liars, they were even told that they, in fact, were abusers. But they stood their ground, and for that I am extremely grateful." Bragg is running for re-election in November.

The declaration of a mistrial on Thursday followed the jury foreperson's communication to Justice Farber the day prior. The foreperson reported being subjected to shouting and threats from other jurors due to his refusal to change his vote on the charge that remained undecided. Justice Farber had sent the jury home to compose themselves after hearing this.

Weinstein's attendance throughout the trial in Manhattan was marked by his ongoing health issues, often requiring him to use a wheelchair. In the months leading up to the court proceedings, he was held at Rikers Island jail and received medical care at a hospital in Manhattan.

The business repercussions of the widespread accusations against Weinstein began even before his first conviction. His eponymous film studio filed for bankruptcy in March 2018, approximately five months after the initial public reports of sexual misconduct emerged.