Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley in his New York retrial. The verdict comes after his previous sex crimes conviction was overturned last year. Weinstein was retried on charges involving Haley and Jessica Mann, with new charges added relating to ex-model Kaja Sokola.
The jury found Weinstein guilty of sexually assaulting Haley in 2006 but not guilty of raping Mann or assaulting Sokola. The verdict was delivered in a Manhattan court, where Weinstein, seated in a wheelchair, remained impassive during the proceedings. He later muttered "Not true" as he was wheeled out of the courtroom.
Miriam Haley's Courage
Miriam Haley expressed hope following the verdict, stating that it signifies a growing awareness around sexual violence and the fading myth of the 'perfect victim'. She recounted the defense's attempts at victim-shaming and distorting the truth as exhausting and dehumanizing.
Jury Tensions
The retrial was marked by high tensions within the jury. The foreman reported threats and intimidation, leading to heated exchanges and demands for a mistrial. Judge Curtis Farber addressed the jury, urging them to reach a unanimous verdict despite the disagreements.
Background of the Case
Weinstein's previous conviction was overturned due to the inclusion of testimonies from women whose allegations went beyond the official charges. The retrial focused specifically on the accusations of Haley, Mann, and Sokola. Haley's decision to testify again was driven by her desire to stand up for the truth after learning of a podcast aimed at exonerating Weinstein.
- Weinstein found guilty of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley.
- Not guilty verdicts for rape and assault charges involving other women.
- Jury deliberations marked by intense disagreements and accusations of intimidation.
The verdict marks another chapter in the Harvey Weinstein saga, a case that has significantly impacted the #MeToo movement and conversations surrounding sexual assault and power dynamics in Hollywood.