New York prosecutors have decided not to pursue a rape charge against Harvey Weinstein for a fourth time, citing the accuser's wish to end the prolonged legal process. The Manhattan District Attorney's office announced Thursday that the case is being dropped after discussions with Jessica Mann, a hair stylist and actor who was the accuser.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr. stated that his office believes Mann's account and her credibility. He added that the case has been an "extraordinarily taxing ordeal" for her over the past eight years, during which she has testified before grand juries and trial juries without wavering. Bragg thanked Mann for her honesty and bravery.
The case against Weinstein related to Mann's allegations had been tried three times previously. The first trial in 2020, which also included testimony from two other accusers, resulted in a conviction that was later overturned in 2024. An appeals court found that the judge had improperly allowed testimony from women whose allegations were not part of that specific case. In the second trial last year, a jury found Weinstein guilty of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley but was deadlocked on the rape count involving Mann, leading to a mistrial for that charge. The third and most recent trial concluded in May 2026 with another hung jury unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
During the third trial, Mann testified that while some sexual encounters with Weinstein were consensual, he forced unwanted sex in a hotel room in March 2013, despite her refusals. Weinstein's defense team argued that the encounter was consensual. A representative for Weinstein stated that he is relieved by the outcome and believes it should have been reached earlier if all communications had been fully presented to the grand jury.
Weinstein has not yet been sentenced for the conviction of assaulting Haley. Prosecutors are recommending a 20-year sentence for that charge. He faces a potential life sentence due to a separate conviction in California for which he received a 16-year prison sentence. Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct, assault, and rape by more than 100 women. The accusations against him and subsequent convictions played a significant role in galvanizing the #MeToo movement.