A mistrial has been declared in the latest New York trial concerning allegations of rape against former film producer Harvey Weinstein. This marks the third time a jury has failed to reach a unanimous verdict on charges stemming from the accusations made by Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actor. The deadlock, confirmed by notes sent to Judge Curtis Farber, leaves the case involving Mann's allegations unresolved.
The jury deliberated for a third day before informing the court they could not reach an agreement on the sole charge of third-degree rape. This outcome occurred despite prosecutors, led by Assistant District Attorney Candace White, presenting arguments that Weinstein used professional influence and sustained emotional manipulation to coerce Mann into unwanted intercourse.
"This mistrial doesn't in any way detract from the truth I told." - Jessica Mann
Mann herself issued a statement reaffirming her account, emphasizing that the mistrial does not diminish the veracity of her testimony. She recounted an encounter where she alleges Weinstein slammed a door, grabbed her arms, and ordered her to undress, ultimately leading to an act she described as rape. Mann’s testimony also detailed a complex relationship where she initially felt discomfited by Weinstein's advances but eventually acceded, driven in part by his validation of her acting aspirations and comfort offered during her father's terminal illness.
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Weinstein's defense team, meanwhile, asserted that the repeated jury deadlocks point to "significant reasonable doubt." Spokesman Judah Engelmayer stated that the Manhattan District Attorney's Office should cease retrying the same case and redirect its resources to address broader public safety issues in New York. The defense characterized the relationship with Mann as consensual and on-again, off-again.
This latest mistrial comes while Weinstein, 74, is already serving time for other sex offense convictions. He is currently incarcerated and appealing a separate conviction related to accusations made by movie producer Miriam Haley. In a prior trial concerning Haley, a jury had convicted Weinstein on one count of criminal sex act but acquitted him on another.
The prosecution, under District Attorney Alvin Bragg, indicated they will consult with Mann regarding the possibility of a fourth trial. Their decision will also consider the eventual sentencing for Weinstein's existing convictions.
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Weinstein is said to be in poor health, according to his defense. The current proceedings began in April, with Weinstein pleading not guilty to the third-degree rape charge involving Mann.
