Harvey Weinstein’s third New York rape trial ends in mistrial

Lead

Harvey Weinstein’s third trial in New York on charges of raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann ended in a mistrial on Friday after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. The jury, which had been deliberating for three days, sent a note saying they could not reach a decision, prompting Judge Curtis Farber to declare a mistrial, as reported by multiple outlets including ABC Australia, BBC — World, France 24 — English, The Guardian — World, and The Hindu.

Weinstein, 74, remains behind bars due to convictions in other cases. He was previously convicted in California and is serving a 16-year prison sentence, a fact noted by several sources.

Coverage Comparison

ABC Australia and The Guardian — World both highlighted that this was Weinstein’s third New York trial and emphasised the jury’s deadlock. BBC — World and France 24 — English focused on the mistrial and the Manhattan District Attorney’s response. South China Morning Post added that Weinstein pleaded not guilty to one count of third-degree rape, while The Hindu and The Guardian noted that his lawyers argued Mann fabricated the allegation.

One analytical piece from ABC Australia, which also reflected on the #MeToo movement’s legacy, was the only source to mention the term "manosphere" and noted the movement’s complicated impact.

Key Claims

• The mistrial was declared after the jury deadlocked, according to reports from ABC Australia, France 24 — English, and The Hindu.
• Weinstein was accused of raping Jessica Mann in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013, as reported by all six outlets.
• Weinstein pleaded not guilty to one count of third-degree rape, as reported by South China Morning Post and The Guardian.
• Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office brought the case, as stated by ABC Australia and The Guardian.
• Weinstein’s lawyers argued that Mann fabricated the allegation, as reported by South China Morning Post and The Hindu.
• Weinstein was convicted of rape in California and is serving a 16-year prison sentence, a fact mentioned by ABC Australia and The Guardian.
• The #MeToo movement was sparked by allegations against Weinstein in 2017, as noted by ABC Australia and France 24.

Perspectives

Manhattan District Attorney’s Office: Alvin Bragg expressed disappointment over the mistrial but respected the jury system, thanking the jurors for their service. He noted that Jessica Mann had fought for justice for nearly a decade and that the office would consider next steps.

Weinstein’s Defence: Weinstein’s spokesman, Judah Engelmayer, told AFP that the two juries’ inability to reach unanimity demonstrated significant reasonable doubt. He argued that the district attorney’s office should stop retrying the case and focus on other public safety issues. Defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo told reporters that nine jurors voted not guilty, a claim that could not be independently verified.

Jessica Mann’s Testimony: Mann testified that she initially saw Weinstein as a mentor but that he subjected her to unwanted sex after she repeatedly said no. She described the relationship as abusive and said her perspective changed in 2017 when allegations against Weinstein became public.