NEW YORK (AP) — Jessica Mann, a woman at the core of Harvey Weinstein’s ongoing legal battles, testified on Tuesday regarding allegations that the former Hollywood mogul trapped her in a New York hotel room and assaulted her, despite her protests.
“I said ‘no’ over and over, and I tried to leave,” Mann, a 40-year-old hairstylist and actor, recounted to the jury, visibly upset. “He just treated me like he owned me.”
This marks the third instance Mann has testified about her complicated relationship with Weinstein, which she claims turned into rape.
Weinstein, once a renowned movie producer and now an emblem of the #MeToo movement, observed the proceedings, occasionally sipping water, as Mann described the events she stated occurred in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. Now 73 and imprisoned, Weinstein continues to deny all allegations of sexual assault and is appealing numerous convictions.
His legal team has not yet cross-examined Mann in this retrial but maintains that any interactions between them were consensual.
Weinstein was convicted in 2020 of raping Mann, but the conviction was later overturned. A subsequent trial ended in a jury deadlock.
Emotional Testimony
Jurors listened intently as Mann, occasionally tearful, continued her testimony. The session was paused upon her request after she became flustered answering questions about her interactions with Weinstein post-assault.
Mann first met Weinstein at a party in the Los Angeles area in early 2013, hoping for a breakthrough in her acting career. Their meetings oscillated between professional discussions and unwanted advances, some of which Mann did not refuse, despite feeling uncomfortable.
She eventually agreed to a consensual sexual relationship with Weinstein, explaining that she had been conditioned to expect such behavior from men and thought it might improve if they were in a relationship.
Mann described Weinstein as alternately charming and demeaning, with a ‘monster’ side that emerged when he was contradicted, flaunting his industry power.
During a stay in New York, Weinstein unexpectedly booked a room at Mann’s hotel before a planned breakfast. Despite her discomfort, Mann went to the room with him to discuss the matter privately.
Recalling the Assault
Once in the room, Mann said Weinstein demanded she undress. “Please don’t. I don’t want to,” she pleaded, attempting twice to leave, but Weinstein blocked her, she testified.
In fear, Mann described how she “shut down and gave up” after being overpowered by Weinstein, who then raped her. Mann later discovered a used syringe for an erectile-dysfunction drug in the bathroom.
Following the incident, Mann chose not to disclose it to anyone. She continued planned activities with Weinstein, striving to maintain a façade of normalcy.
Despite ongoing consensual encounters and friendly communications, Mann eventually sought to end the sexual aspect of their relationship to honor her new romantic relationship, which Weinstein did not react well to.
Weinstein became enraged upon learning that Mann’s boyfriend was an actor, demanding “You owe me one more time!” and allegedly raping her again in Beverly Hills, a claim for which he has not been charged.
The Associated Press names individuals claiming sexual assault only with their consent, as Mann has provided.
