Chaos erupted in Harvey Weinstein’s New York rape retrial as the jury returned a split verdict after a week of deliberations.
Judge Curtis Farber was informed that Weinstein was found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual act against Miriam Haley, not guilty in Kaja Sokola’s case, and no decision was reached regarding Jessica Mann.
Juror tensions escalated, with reports of threats and “yelling and screaming.” The foreman told Farber, “I can’t go back in there with the other jurors.” The judge sent jurors home early to ease hostilities before resuming deliberations on the final charge.
Weinstein, 73, addressed the court, requesting a mistrial. “This is my life that’s on the line, this is not fair,” he said. “I’m not getting a fair trial.” Farber denied the request.
Prosecutors allege Weinstein used his influence to lure and assault women. Weinstein maintains the encounters were consensual. “They’re all women with broken dreams,” said his lawyer Arthur Aidala. “They’re all women who wanted to cut the line.”