A New York judge declared a mistrial on May 15 in the rape case against Harvey Weinstein after the jury remained deadlocked and unable to reach a verdict following over three days of deliberation [1, 2]. The jury, which was majority male, failed to agree on the charges related to allegations by aspiring actress Jessica Mann involving an incident more than a decade ago [1, 2].
This mistrial marks at least the second time a New York jury has deadlocked on the case; some sources say it is the third time the case has been brought before a jury in New York, reflecting a disagreement in reports [1, 2]. Weinstein was convicted in 2020 of raping Mann, but that verdict was later overturned, leading to retrials [1, 2]. Weinstein is 74 years old [1].
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said prosecutors are reviewing whether to retry the case, consulting with Mann and weighing Weinstein’s 16-year prison sentence he received last year in California on separate rape and sexual assault convictions [1, 2]. Bragg expressed disappointment but thanked the jurors, saying, "While we are disappointed that the proceedings ended with a mistrial, we deeply respect the jury system and sincerely thank all of the jurors for their time and dedication." He added, "We will consider our next steps in consultation with Ms Mann, and in consideration of Harvey Weinstein’s pending sentencing following last year’s trial conviction for forcibly sexually assaulting Miriam Haley." [1, 2]
Weinstein has consistently denied wrongdoing despite dozens of women accusing him of sexual misconduct since 2017 [1]. His lawyers argued the mistrial demonstrated how public perception and prejudice against Weinstein have become deeply embedded in society. They also criticized prosecutors, stating, "The Manhattan District Attorney's Office should stop retrying the same case and focus its time and resources on the actual violent crime, chaos, and public safety issues impacting New Yorkers every day." [1]
Weinstein was sentenced in 2023 to 16 years in prison in California for rape and sexual assault convictions unrelated to the New York charges [2]. The jury’s deadlock followed more than three full days of deliberations before the mistrial was declared [2]. The case remains unresolved as prosecutors decide on the next legal steps.
