New York prosecutors announced Thursday they will drop a rape charge against former film producer Harvey Weinstein, opting not to proceed with a fourth trial in the case that stemmed from the #MeToo movement. Weinstein is currently serving time for other sexual felony convictions in New York and California.
The unresolved rape charge involved an allegation by hairstylist and actor Jessica Mann, who testified that Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel in 2013. Mann stated that while she had a consensual, on-and-off relationship with Weinstein, she repeatedly attempted to refuse sexual activity and expressed her unwillingness, but he persisted. She described feeling afraid to continue protesting as he cornered her and demanded she undress.
Mann, 40, wrote a letter to the court, read by a prosecutor, stating, “After a lot of thought and reflection, I have chosen not to proceed with a fourth trial against Harvey Weinstein. It was clear to me at this last trial I could no longer endure going through this any longer.” The most recent trial had taken a visible toll on Mann, who testified for five days.
Prosecutor Nicole Blumberg acknowledged Mann's "bravery, strength, courage and inspiration" but deemed dismissal appropriate given Mann's feelings about proceeding. Weinstein, 74, had reported chest pains during deliberations in the last trial, which also led to an early adjournment.
Weinstein, once a powerful figure in the film industry known for producing films like "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction," faced a series of sexual misconduct allegations that surfaced in 2017, contributing to the #MeToo movement. He was initially convicted in 2020 for raping Mann, but that verdict was later overturned by an appeals court. Two subsequent retrials resulted in hung juries.
The dropped charge was a lower-level felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to four years, less than the time Weinstein has already served. He still faces significant sentences from his other convictions. Weinstein has consistently denied all accusations, with his legal team asserting that his accusers engaged in consensual relationships with him. He himself has stated, "I acted wrongly, but I never assaulted anyone."