Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial reached a deadlock, leading the judge to declare a mistrial. Jurors, after three days of deliberations, could not reach a verdict on a third-degree rape charge that Weinstein had faced twice before, as reported by ‘Variety.’
Judge Curtis Farber granted prosecutors 30 days to decide on a potential fourth trial. Weinstein, aged 74, has been in custody since his initial rape conviction in 2020. Last June, he was convicted of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley, but the jury couldn’t decide on the third-degree rape charge involving Jessica Mann, an aspiring actress, prompting a third trial.
Weinstein’s sentencing has been postponed until the remaining charge is resolved. Additionally, he received a 16-year prison sentence in 2023 for a rape conviction in Los Angeles, which is currently under appeal. Mann testified extensively during this trial, reiterating allegations she had previously shared with two juries.
Mann accused Weinstein of coercing her into a sexual encounter in a Manhattan hotel room in March 2013. The defense contended that Mann had willingly engaged in a relationship with Weinstein, citing affectionate messages she had sent him, such as “Miss you, big guy” and “Appreciate all you do for me.” Weinstein was acquitted of sexually assaulting another woman, Kaja Sokola, in the previous year’s trial.
In the Los Angeles case, Weinstein was found guilty of raping an Italian model during a film festival in February 2013. His legal team has refuted the encounter’s occurrence and criticized the trial judge for allegedly withholding evidence.
