A mistrial was declared in Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial on Friday as the jury was deadlocked in the closely watched #MeToo-era case, similar to the previous trial last year. While Weinstein is already convicted of sex crimes on two U.S. coasts and is incarcerated, the New York rape charge remains unresolved after three trials. The jury, predominantly male, was deliberating on whether Weinstein raped Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actor, with his defense claiming the encounter was consensual during a tumultuous relationship in 2013.
The deadlock became apparent on the third day of deliberations when the jury informed the judge they could not reach a unanimous verdict. After further deliberations, the jury remained divided, with nine jurors favoring acquittal and three favoring conviction. The defense hailed the outcome as a victory for the jury system.
A hearing is scheduled for June 24 to determine if prosecutors will pursue a fourth trial. District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed disappointment but acknowledged the jury’s decision. Mann, the accuser, was not present in court during the mistrial announcement.
Weinstein, once a powerful Hollywood figure and Democratic donor, faced public scrutiny and legal action following sexual misconduct allegations in 2017. The revelations fueled the #MeToo movement and led to criminal charges against him. Mann’s allegation of rape has persisted through multiple trials and legal proceedings.
Mann, who met Weinstein in 2013, testified that he raped her after she repeatedly refused his advances and tried to leave. She did not disclose the assault for years and only came forward following media reports and the emergence of the #MeToo movement.
Despite maintaining contact with Weinstein after the incident, Mann eventually went to the police after news of his misconduct became public. She did not sue Weinstein but received a settlement from a sexual misconduct fund. The defense did not raise this issue during the retrial.
The Associated Press typically does not name sexual assault survivors, but Mann agreed to be identified in this case. For individuals in immediate danger or seeking support, relevant crisis lines and services are available through the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.