A New York jury began deliberating Wednesday in the rape retrial of Harvey Weinstein, considering a remaining charge from a case that became a symbol of the #MeToo movement.
The panel must determine if the disgraced film producer sexually assaulted Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actress, at a Manhattan hotel on March 18, 2013.
Mann, now 40, told the court she had maintained a consensual relationship with Weinstein but testified that he forced himself on her sexually that day despite her repeated refusals.
Defense attorneys for the 74-year-old Weinstein argue the sexual encounter was consensual, pointing to evidence that Mann continued meeting with Weinstein following the alleged assault and maintained friendly communications. Mann explained she struggled with complex emotions about Weinstein and the incident, saying she was “normalizing everything.”
Mann’s perspective shifted in 2017 when multiple sexual misconduct allegations against the Academy Award-winning producer sparked the #MeToo movement, demanding accountability from powerful figures accused of sexual wrongdoing. While Weinstein has acknowledged he “acted wrongly,” he maintains he never sexually assaulted anyone.
Several of these allegations resulted in criminal convictions against Weinstein in both New York and California courts.
A New York appeals court reversed his 2020 conviction on charges involving Mann and a second accuser. During last year’s retrial, jurors could not reach a unanimous decision regarding Mann’s case, necessitating this second retrial. Weinstein faces one count of third-degree rape.
The current jury listened to almost three weeks of testimony, including five days from Mann herself. Weinstein chose not to take the stand in his defense.
The Associated Press typically does not name individuals who report sexual assault. However, Mann has consented to public identification.
