Former film producer Harvey Weinstein will not face a fourth rape trial in New York. Manhattan prosecutors announced they were dropping a third-degree rape charge after the accuser, former aspiring actress Jessica Mann, indicated she no longer wished to testify.
This decision comes after the failure of Weinstein's third trial in this case. Last May, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the accusations made by Jessica Mann, leading to a mistrial.
Jessica Mann claims that Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 despite her repeated refusals. The former Hollywood mogul has always denied the accusations. Now 74, he has pleaded not guilty and continues to deny sexually assaulting anyone or engaging in non-consensual sex.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office, headed by Alvin Bragg, explained that the plaintiff had already testified before two grand juries and three trial juries. According to prosecutors, this series of proceedings had been a particularly difficult ordeal, and Jessica Mann did not wish to relive that experience.
Meanwhile, prosecutors asked the court to sentence Weinstein to 20 years in prison for the sexual assault of Miriam Haley, a former production assistant. Weinstein had been convicted in 2020 in cases involving Jessica Mann and Miriam Haley.
However, New York State's highest court overturned the conviction, ruling that Weinstein had not received a fair trial. Despite this decision, he remained incarcerated due to a separate conviction in another case.
The former co-founder of Miramax remains one of the most emblematic figures of the downfall triggered by the #MeToo movement. Over the years, more than 80 women have accused him of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, allegations he continues to deny.
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