In a shocking twist, Harvey Weinstein’s retrial in New York came to a screeching halt Thursday morning after the jury was rocked by internal drama, leading the judge to declare a mistrial on one of the most serious charges — rape.
And while the disgraced movie mogul was convicted of one sex crime just a day earlier, the abrupt breakdown in jury deliberations leaves his legal future hanging in the balance.
Jury Chaos: Foreperson Refuses to Return Over “Threats”
It all unraveled inside a Manhattan courtroom when the jury foreperson refused to return for further deliberations — claiming he felt threatened by other jurors. The exact nature of the alleged threats remains unclear, but the refusal was enough for the judge to declare a mistrial on the rape charge tied to Jessica Mann, an aspiring actress who accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her in 2013.
The moment threw the entire trial into turmoil — just hours after the jury delivered its first conviction.
What Weinstein Was Convicted of
On Wednesday, jurors found the 73-year-old guilty of first-degree criminal sexual act in connection to the 2006 assault of Miriam Haley, a former production assistant who testified that Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her at his Manhattan apartment.
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What He Was Acquitted Of
Weinstein was acquitted of another charge involving Kaja Sokola, a model who claimed Weinstein assaulted her that same year.
What’s Still Unresolved
No verdict was reached on the rape allegation from Jessica Mann, which prompted the judge to order more deliberations — until the jury foreperson’s dramatic exit effectively halted the process.
Weinstein’s Rep Speaks Out: “We Believe It Will Not Stand”
Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein’s longtime spokesperson, issued a pointed statement to TMZ shortly after the mistrial was announced:
“After eight years, dozens of accusers, and three trials, we are left with a single conviction — one we firmly believe will not stand, due to gross juror misconduct. Harvey is, of course, disappointed by the verdict, but he remains determined and resolute in his fight to clear his name.”
Flashback: Why Weinstein Was in Court Again
This retrial stemmed from a 2020 conviction in New York that was overturned in April 2024 due to procedural issues. In September 2024, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office announced they would retry Weinstein on the same charges.
Weinstein did not testify in either the 2020 trial or this retrial. Prosecutors reportedly asked him to take the stand, but sources say he refused after they declined to name the new accusers in advance.
Key Witnesses and Trial Highlights
Over the course of the retrial, 24 witnesses were called, including the three women whose accusations formed the basis of the charges:
- Miriam Haley (Production assistant, 2006)
- Kaja Sokola (Model, 2006)
- Jessica Mann (Aspiring actress, 2013)
Each delivered emotional and graphic testimony recounting their alleged assaults, which helped shape the jury’s mixed verdict.
What’s Next for Weinstein?
Despite the setback in New York, Weinstein remains a convicted felon. He is currently serving a 16-year sentence in California after being convicted of rape in 2022 in a Los Angeles case involving a European actress.
A Complicated Legacy and Ongoing Legal Battles
Harvey Weinstein’s name remains synonymous with the #MeToo movement, which exploded following a wave of allegations against him in 2017. Since then, he has faced dozens of accusers, multiple criminal cases, and several civil lawsuits.
Even after this mistrial, Weinstein’s legal journey is far from over. Prosecutors may seek to retry the unresolved rape charge, and appeals on the latest conviction could be in the works.
???? What are your thoughts on this developing case? Should Weinstein face another trial? Drop a comment below and stay with us for the latest updates on this ongoing legal saga.
