Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was considered guilty of criminal sexual act against former producer Miriam Haley, in a trial held in Manhattan. The partial verdict represents another conviction for Sexual Crimes for Weinstein after the annulment of its 2020 sentence in New York.
The jury, however, acquitted Weinstein of the accusation of sexual assault against Kaja Sokola and did not reach a unanimous verdict about the rape accusation involving Jessica Mann. Given this, the judge of the case advised the jurors to continue the deliberations to try to reach a definitive decision.
Weinstein, 72, is already fulfilled two convictions for sexual assault – a 23 -year -old sentence annulled in appeal and another 16 -year -old in California, which remains valid.
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During the current trial, he accompanied the sessions in wheelchair custody and was hospitalized in a Manhattan hospital for leukemia treatment.
Tense climate
The jury deliberations lasted almost a week and were marked by internal conflicts among the jurors.
One of the members reported to the judge to have received veiled threats, such as the phrase “I find you out there”, which generated concern about his safety during the process.
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Despite the concerns reported, the prosecution minimized the episode, stating that the jury in question appeared to be just “stubborn” and not with fear.
Several messages exchanged in the jury room indicated pressures and friction among the members, reinforcing the climate of tension during deliberations.
Accusations
In this new trial, Weinstein was accused of:
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- Rape Jessica Mann, actress and hairdresser, in 2013;
- Having forced oral sex in Miriam Haley and Kaja Sokola in 2006.
The three women provided emotional and explicit reports in court, claiming that they were attracted to promises of opportunities in the film industry, but subjected to sexual violence by the then influential producer.
The prosecution argued that Weinstein took advantage of his position of power to coerce the victims, which has made him one of the main targets of the #Metoo movement – which in recent years has lost visibility to other social agenda.
Defense
Weinstein did not give testimony in his defense. His lawyers claimed that relations with the victims were consensual and presented proof of continuous and friendly contact between the parties after the alleged crimes.
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Lawyer Arthur Aidala stated that relationships were “mutually beneficial” and that women received auditions and opportunities in the entertainment industry. He also stressed the absence of contemporary reports by the victims.
Jessica Mann, however, explained that she did not report at the time for fear of retaliation and believing she would not be taken seriously.
