A New York judge has declared a mistrial on a rape charge against Harvey Weinstein after one juror opted not to return for deliberations, prompting the District Attorney to announce plans for a retrial.
Mistrial Announced in Weinstein Case After Juror Exit
Mistrial Announced in Weinstein Case After Juror Exit
Harvey Weinstein faces another trial as a mistrial is declared on a rape charge due to juror deliberation issues.
In a significant turn in Harvey Weinstein's ongoing legal woes, a judge in New York has declared a mistrial on a rape charge stemming from allegations made by actress Jessica Mann. This announcement comes after a juror, unsettled by tensions within the jury room, refused to continue deliberations on the alleged assault that took place in 2013. After a six-day deliberation period, where the jury previously found Weinstein guilty of one count of sexual assault and not guilty on another, the juror's withdrawal ultimately led to the mistrial.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg confirmed that the office is prepared to retry the rape charge, marking Weinstein's third trial in New York following the overturning of his previous sex crimes conviction last year. In a public statement, Mann expressed her determination to testify again, stating she remains committed to seeking justice.
The latest deliberations were marked by visible discord, with the jury foreperson raising concerns about jurors allegedly attacking each other’s opinions. Reports indicate that discussions became heated, with one juror mentioning they were threatened with comments such as "I'll meet you outside one day," compelling the judge to intervene.
Weinstein's spokesperson criticized the proceedings as marred by “gross juror misconduct,” further complicating the tumultuous nature of Weinstein's legal history. Notably, his previous conviction was overturned because of issues surrounding testimonies from women whose allegations extended beyond the charges at hand. As these legal battles continue, Weinstein's situation becomes increasingly precarious, with a looming trial expected in 2025 that will examine charges based on testimonies from Mann and other accusers.
As the case unfolds, the backlash against Weinstein's actions remains palpable, embodying a critical moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding sexual abuse and accountability within the entertainment industry.
