A judge declared a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial on Friday after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict, marking another setback in a high-profile #MeToo-era case that has now gone to trial three times. The former Hollywood mogul remains behind bars for other sex crimes, but the New York rape charge remains unresolved.
Jury Deadlock and Reactions
The majority-male Manhattan jury had been deliberating whether Weinstein raped Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actor, in 2013. Weinstein's lawyers argued the encounter was consensual. After three days of deliberations, the jury sent a note indicating they could not reach a unanimous decision. Judge Curtis Farber instructed them to continue, but they later confirmed an impasse.
Juror Josh Hadar told reporters that he and eight others favored acquittal, citing inconsistencies in Mann's testimony. "It spoke a little bit to her credibility," he said. Another juror, Sarae Perez, noted that the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt influenced their decision. Weinstein's defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo called the mistrial "a great day for our jury system."
Mann, in a statement, said the mistrial "doesn't in any way detract from the truth I told" and criticized the power of predators. Prosecutors have until a June 24 hearing to decide whether to pursue a fourth trial.
Background of the Case
Weinstein, once a powerful Hollywood producer and Democratic donor, faced a wave of sexual misconduct allegations in 2017 that sparked the #MeToo movement. He was convicted in New York in 2020, but an appeals court overturned that verdict. A 2025 retrial also ended in a mistrial, leading to the current proceedings.
Mann testified that Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel room in March 2013 after she repeatedly said no. She said she complied out of fear. Weinstein's defense portrayed her as a willing participant in a supportive relationship, noting that she continued to communicate with him and accepted help, including a job referral and a $1,000 cash offer.
Weinstein did not testify. His lawyers emphasized that Mann's private writings from two days after the alleged rape did not mention the incident, instead reflecting conflicted feelings about an "emotionally attached" relationship.
The mistrial leaves the New York charge in limbo, but Weinstein remains incarcerated for other convictions. The case continues to highlight the challenges of prosecuting sexual assault allegations years after the fact.
