Prosecutors Seek to Drop Rape Charge Against Harvey Weinstein
Manhattan prosecutors announced on Thursday their intention to drop a third-degree rape charge against Harvey Weinstein after the woman accusing the former film producer of assault declined to testify in what would have been his fourth trial.
Weinstein’s third trial in New York state court concerned an allegation that he raped aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013. The trial ended in a mistrial after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
Mann accused Weinstein of raping her in a Manhattan hotel room while she resisted and repeatedly said:
“No.”
Weinstein, aged 74, pleaded not guilty to one count of third-degree rape and has consistently denied assaulting anyone or engaging in non-consensual sex. A representative for Weinstein stated on Thursday that he was relieved by the outcome and maintained that the charge should never have been brought.
Accuser’s Testimony Considered an 'Extraordinarily Taxing Ordeal'
The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg explained that Mann had testified before two grand juries and three trial juries, describing the experience as an
“extraordinarily taxing ordeal”. Consequently, she chose not to take the stand again.
Additionally, Bragg’s office requested the court to impose a 20-year prison sentence on Weinstein for the sexual assault of Miriam Haley, a former production assistant.
Background on Weinstein’s Legal Proceedings
Weinstein was convicted in 2020 of raping Mann and assaulting Haley during his first trial. However, the state’s highest court later overturned the conviction, ruling that Weinstein had not received a fair trial.
Despite the overturned conviction, Weinstein has remained incarcerated due to a separate conviction in another case.
Weinstein, a former film producer and co-founder of Miramax Studios, has faced allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct from more than 80 women, all of which he denies.
