Crime & justice

Harvey Weinstein NYC Rape Case Ends in Mistrial Again

Was the Weinstein-Mann case a consensual relationship or a crime that demands relentless pursuit of justice?

MAY 15·Updated MAY 18

Harvey Weinstein NYC Rape Case Ends in Mistrial Again

Story

Above: Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan criminal court for the retrial of his rape case on May 13. Image credit: Steven Hirsch-Pool/Getty Images

The Facts

A Manhattan judge declared a mistrial on Friday after jurors deadlocked for a third time on a rape charge against Harvey Weinstein, stemming from allegations that he raped aspiring actress Jessica Mann at a Manhattan hotel in 2013.
BBC News
USA Today
The Washington Times
Judge Curtis Farber said it was "quite clear" that jurors were "hopelessly deadlocked" and dismissed the panel after they sent a note stating no one would change their position. The jury had deliberated for three days.
The Hollywood Reporter
The New York Times
Mann, 40, testified over five days that Weinstein raped her after she repeatedly refused, while the defense argued the encounter was consensual and highlighted friendly messages she wrote to Weinstein shortly afterward. Weinstein did not testify.
FOX News
The New York Times
NBC10 Philadelphia
Weinstein's 2020 New York conviction, which carried a 23-year sentence, was overturned by the state's highest court. A retrial in 2025 resulted in a conviction on a sexual assault charge involving former TV production assistant Miriam Haley, but the jury again deadlocked on the Mann rape count.
New York Post
USA Today
Weinstein was convicted of rape in California in 2022 and is serving a 16-year prison sentence there, which he is appealing. If convicted on the New York rape charge, he would have faced up to four years — less time than he has already served.
The Hollywood Reporter
CNN
The Washington Times
Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg said prosecutors are determining whether to pursue a fourth trial, and a hearing is set for June 24. Meanwhile, Weinstein's lawyers called on the DA's office to "stop retrying the same case."
BBC News
CNN

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Harvey Weinstein's repeated trials reflect the justice system's determination to pursue accountability for survivors of sexual assault during the #MeToo era. Despite this minor setback, the legal and moral reality is that Weinstein abused his power and should remain imprisoned for the rest of his life — another trial would realistically produce a different outcome.

Front Page Detectives

Narrative B

The evidence against Weinstein was always shaky — emails, continued meetups and years of leaning on him for career support don't paint the picture of a victim. Mann's own actions after the alleged assault undercut her account. A relationship built on mutual benefit alone is not a crime, and the defense made that case compellingly.

Breitbart

Candace Owens on Youtube

Narrative C

The repeated retrials expose weaknesses in prosecuting high-profile sexual assault cases, where celebrity influence, media attention and conflicting testimony complicate justice. Mann should not have to recount her allegations against Weinstein alone for a fourth time in court. Also, additional accusers should be allowed to describe similar allegations against the sexual predator to demonstrate a broader pattern of abuse and strengthen prosecutors' case.

Slate