A New York jury heard opening statements from both sides in the retrial of film producer Harvey Weinstein, who faces charges related to allegations of rape and assault by three women.
Prosecutor Shannon Lucey described how Weinstein used his power and influence to prey on women with industry career aspirations. She presented the cases of Kaja Sokola, Mimi Haley, and Jessica Mann, who were allegedly forced into situations that led to unwanted sexual contact.
Sokola’s case involves allegations of assault in 2006 when she was 16 years old. Weinstein picked her up for what she thought was a business lunch, but instead took her to his apartment and attacked her. Sokola eventually received a settlement under the Child Victims Act in 2019.
Haley’s allegations date back to 2006, when she claims Weinstein forced her into oral sex in his New York City apartment. Haley worked on the TV show “Project Runway” at the time, which was arranged by Weinstein despite her lack of proper US work permits.
Mann testified against Weinstein in a previous trial in 2020 and now faces charges again. Mann’s case involves allegations of rape in a hotel room in New York City in 2013.
The prosecution argued that Weinstein’s behavior was not merely immoral but also illegal, as he used his position to exploit women for personal gain. Weinstein’s defense team countered that the women had consensual relationships with him and were using their connections to advance their careers.
The retrial follows a previous conviction by the New York Court of Appeals in 2020, which led to this trial focusing on two charges tied to allegations from Mann and Haley. The case is expected to explore whether Weinstein’s actions constitute rape or assault.
Weinstein remains in custody in New York while serving a sentence connected to a separate 2022 Los Angeles conviction on sexual assault charges.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/23/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-nyc-retrial-new-accuser/index.html