Harvey Weinstein rape trial ends as judge declares mistrial
A judge has declared a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein's third sex-crimes trial.
A New York jury told Judge Curtis Farber that they were deadlocked Friday, May 15, and could not reach a verdict in the case regarding allegations that Weinstein, 74, raped former aspiring actress Jessica Mann.
The rape allegedly occurred in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013, with prosector Candace White previously telling jurors that Mann resisted the Hollywood producer and repeatedly said "no."
"This case will come down to power, to control and to manipulation," White said at the start of the trial in April. She further accused Weinstein of preying upon "fragile and sheltered" young women in Hollywood.
Weinstein's defense lawyer, Jacob Kaplan, said Mann fabricated the allegation due to regret over the romance, calling her a "strong and capable" woman who had a consensual relationship with Weinstein.
"In the end, this case will be her word against her word," Kaplan said during his opening statement.
Jessica Mann speaks out on Harvey Weinstein mistrial
Mann reacted to the outcome in a statement obtained by USA TODAY.
"Today's decision to declare a mistrial doesn't in any way detract from the truth I told and the violent crimes Harvey Weinstein committed upon me and so many others," Mann said. "I chose to testify in three trials because I am telling the truth.
"For years I have had to relive some of the hardest moments of my life while facing attempts to shame, humiliate and discredit me in open court. I submitted myself to the highest standards, transparency, and accountability in coming forward through the justice system – choosing integrity even when the process flayed me open," she continued.
"The power of predators remains too great. I deserve justice, which is why I stand up and face unbearable public scrutiny in the name of a greater good – a world where predators are not in power," the statement concluded.
Harvey Weinstein conviction in 2020 was partially overturned
In 2020, Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years after being convicted of raping Mann in 2013 and assaulting his onetime production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006, but the conviction was later overturned when a higher court determined that the Hollywood producer did not receive a fair trial.
Weinstein was retried in 2025, which resulted in a jury finding him guilty of sexually abusing Haley and not guilty of assaulting former model Kaja Sokola. However, the jury deadlocked on the rape charge involving Mann, resulting in a mistrial on that count.
During his third trial, which began in April, Weinstein pleaded not guilty to one count of third-degree rape. He has also denied any allegations of assault or having non-consensual sex.
Weinstein is currently serving 16 years in prison for a 2022 rape conviction in California, which he has appealed. He also faces a sentence of up to 25 years for his conviction of abusing Haley.
Contributing: Reuters