Harvey Weinstein Returns to Court for Rape Retrial Amid Health Concerns
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein appeared in court on Thursday as jury deliberations continued in his rape retrial. This came after reports of Weinstein experiencing chest pains at the courthouse a day earlier. The 74-year-old, who has faced ongoing health issues, was seen in his wheelchair but appeared alert and stated he was feeling “good, fine.”
On Wednesday, while jurors were deliberating, they requested to rehear testimony from accuser Jessica Mann and review a prosecution timeline of emails and evidence. At that time, Weinstein’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, was informed that Weinstein was having chest pains. As a result, Judge Curtis Farber dismissed jurors earlier than planned, citing “unforeseen reasons.”
The jury resumed its deliberations on Thursday after receiving the requested information. Weinstein was then returned to the holding area.
Defense Highlights Key Testimony
The defense team emphasized a part of Mann’s testimony that had been a focal point in Agnifilo’s closing argument. Mann had mentioned “spacing out” when asked why she didn’t disclose her sexual encounters with Weinstein to friends. The defense argued this indicated concern for her reputation rather than evidence of the alleged rape, which Weinstein denies occurred.
Mann, 40, testified that while she willingly engaged in some sexual activities with Weinstein, she was subjected to non-consensual sex in a Manhattan hotel in March 2013. Despite this claim, Weinstein’s lawyers argue that the relationship was consensual, noting Mann’s continued interactions and expressions of warmth towards Weinstein afterward. Mann has acknowledged having complex feelings about the situation.
Impact of the #MeToo Movement
Mann’s perspective shifted in 2017, during the rise of the #MeToo movement, which brought widespread attention to allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly against powerful men. Weinstein, who has faced multiple accusations leading to criminal convictions in both New York and California, has admitted to acting wrongly but denies any assault.
Weinstein’s 2020 New York conviction, involving Mann and another accuser, was overturned on appeal. A retrial last year ended without a verdict on Mann’s allegations, resulting in the current proceedings. Weinstein faces a charge of third-degree rape.
The jury in this retrial has listened to nearly three weeks of testimony, with Mann testifying for five days. Weinstein has not taken the stand. The Associated Press typically does not name individuals alleging sexual assault, but Mann has consented to being identified.
