Latest news with #Farber
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Harvey Weinstein's rape charge gets mistrial after tense jury deliberations
Harvey Weinstein's rape charge ended in a mistrial today, after the jury foreperson said he felt threatened by other jurors. Yesterday, Weinstein's 12-person jury found the disgraced mogul guilty of one criminal sexual act against former Project Runway assistant Miriam Haley, and not guilty of another against former model Kaja Sokola. He jury was not able to reach a verdict on a third rape charge, related to actor Jessica Mann, after days of tense deliberation. After four days of discussions, jurors were sent home Wednesday afternoon after reports of fighting in the jury room, per The Hollywood Reporter. That day, the jury foreperson reportedly sent a note asking to speak to Judge Curtis Farber, after which he told Farber and attorneys, 'I feel afraid inside there. I can't be inside there.' He went on to explain that he felt other jurors were pressuring him to change his decision, and said, 'Oh we will see you outside,' when he refused. When asked whether he would return to the jury room on Thursday, he said he would not. When Farber spoke to other jurors on Thursday, they said they 'don't understand why the foreperson bowed out.' Tension was apparently so high on Wednesday, however, that Weinstein himself addressed the court to ask for a mistrial. 'This is not right for me, the person who is on trial here… This is my life that's on the line, and you know what? It's not fair. It's simple. It's just not fair,' he said. Earlier this week, the foreperson had asked to speak to the judge, claiming that other jurors were considering elements from Weinstein's past that weren't submitted as evidence in this particular trial. Previously, a different juror had asked to be excused from the trial, proclaiming he had heard jurors talking about other jurors in the elevators and the process wasn't 'fair.' 'If you're a deliberating juror you have to be punched in the face in order for it to rise to the level of a real threat,' Weinstein's attorney, Arthur Aidala, said Thursday. 'It's insane in the membrane, insane on the brain.' This retrial is happening in the first place for a similar reason. Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction was overturned in 2024, after a New York court determined that the original trial had been prejudiced due to the decision to let women testify about allegations that weren't officially part of the case. Weinstein's rape conviction, which stems from an alleged incident with Mann in 2013, will now be retried on July 2. Mann is 'ready and willing and wants to retry this count,' prosecutors said. More from A.V. Club AVQ&A: What reboot actually got you excited about the franchise again? Duster gets to the fireworks factory Merciful Brad Garrett swears we'll be spared an Everybody Loves Raymond revival
Express Tribune
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Judge declares mistrial on Weinstein rape charge
The judge in the Harvey Weinstein sex crimes retrial declared a mistrial on the outstanding rape charge against the movie producer Thursday, after the jury foreperson refused to return to deliberate the case amid a jury room feud. In front of packed press and public benches in the 13th-floor New York courtroom, Judge Curtis Farber dismissed jurors who had been unable to reach a verdict on the charge that Weinstein raped Jessica Mann. "Deliberations became heated to such a degree I am obligated to declare a mistrial on the one count on which you didn't reach a verdict," Farber declared from the wood-paneled bench, wearing a robe and reading glasses. Weinstein's lawyer Arthur Aidala had forcefully argued that a crime had been committed against one of the jurors, but the judge dismissed the claim. On Wednesday, the jury convicted Weinstein for sexual assault on Miriam Haley, and acquitted the fallen movie mogul for allegedly sexually assaulting Kaja Sokola. The defense vowed to appeal. The prosecutor brushed off the defense's claim that a retrial on the charge of raping Mann would exert unfair pressure on the alleged victim. "We will proceed to trial and that is what justice would be in this case," Nicole Blumberg said. Outside court, Aidala alleged that two jurors had indicated to his team that the panel had considered the cases of rapper Sean 'P Diddy' Combs and convicted child sex abuser R Kelly in their discussions. "(If) they say, 'Well, look at R Kelly. Look what's going on across the street with P Diddy'... That's not what you can do, and that's what we just heard happen," said the sharp-suited attorney. Combs is on trial at a nearby courthouse for alleged racketeering and other crimes, and the publicity of that case has largely eclipsed Weinstein's retrial. Weinstein, 73 and wheelchair-bound by ill-health, is already in jail for a 16-year term after he was convicted in a separate California case of raping a European actress more than a decade ago. Proceedings in New York have been dogged by personal issues between jurors, two of whom have privately complained to the judge about fellow panelists. The foreman had told judge Farber he could not continue after facing threats. "One other juror made comments to the effect 'I'll meet you outside one day'," the judge said Wednesday quoting the foreman, adding there was yelling between jurors. After Weinstein's lawyer demanded a mistrial over the jury rupture, Weinstein himself addressed the court Wednesday, deploying a commanding voice reminiscent of his Hollywood heyday. 'Intimidation' "We've heard threats, violence, intimidation - this is not right for me... the person who is on trial here," he said. The Oscar-winner's conviction on the Haley charge is a vindication for Haley whose complaint in part led to the initial guilty verdict in 2020. That landmark case helped spur the 'MeToo' movement that saw an outpouring of allegations from prominent women who were abused by men. Weinstein underwent a spectacular fall from his position at the top of the world of Hollywood and show business in 2017 when allegations against him exploded into public. The movement upended the film industry, exposing systemic exploitation of young women seeking to work in entertainment, and provoking a reckoning on how to end the toxic culture. More than 80 women accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct in the wake of the global backlash against men abusing positions of power. Weinstein's original 2020 conviction, and the resulting 23-year prison term, was thrown out last year after an appeals court found irregularities in the way witnesses were presented. afp
South Wales Guardian
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Weinstein case judge declares mistrial on remaining rape charge amid jury issues
The outcome positions the former studio boss for a third New York trial — prosecutors said they're ready to retry the rape count — even as he faces a new sentencing on his sexual assault conviction. Weinstein, 73, denies all the charges and had complained to the judge before Wednesday's partial verdict that it was unfair to continue amid jury tensions. He had a blank, drained expression as court officers escorted him out on Thursday in the wheelchair he uses due to various health problems. He has been behind bars since his initial conviction in 2020 and he was later sentenced to prison in a separate California case, which he's appealing. He's due back in court on July 2 for discussion of retrial and sentencing dates. His first-degree criminal sex act conviction carries the potential for up to 25 years in prison, while the unresolved third-degree rape charge is punishable by up to four years — less than he already has served. In Wednesday's partial verdict, Weinstein was convicted of one charge but acquitted of another. Both of those charges concerned accusations of forcing oral sex on women in 2006. Those verdicts still stand. While the jury of seven women and five men was unanimous on those decisions, it got stuck on the rape charge involving another woman, Jessica Mann, who also said she had a consensual sexual relationship with Weinstein. Jury-room strains started leaking into public view on Friday, when a juror asked to be excused because he felt another was being treated unfairly. Then on Monday, the foreperson complained that other jurors were pushing people to change their minds and talking about information beyond the charges. The man raised concerns again on Wednesday, telling the judge he felt afraid in the jury room because another juror was yelling at him for sticking to his opinion and at one point suggested the foreperson would 'see me outside'. When Judge Curtis Farber asked the foreperson whether he was willing to return to deliberations, the man said no. And with that, Mr Farber declared a mistrial on the rape count. Mr Farber said he later spoke to the other 11 jurors, and 'they were extremely disappointed' by the outcome. 'They all thought they were involved in a normal discourse, and they don't understand why the foreperson bowed out,' Mr Farber told Weinstein and the lawyers in court. Ms Mann, a hairstylist and actor, gave evidence for days — as she did in 2020 — about the rape she said she endured in a Manhattan hotel room and about why she continued to see and have consensual encounters with Weinstein afterward. She is ready to return to the witness stand a third time, prosecutor Nicole Blumberg said. In a statement on Wednesday, Ms Mann said that coming forward 'cost me everything', including privacy. 'Still, I stood up and told the truth. Again and again,' she said. Weinstein's initial conviction five years ago seemed to cement the downfall of one of Hollywood's most powerful men in a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct. But that conviction was overturned last year, and the case was sent back for retrial in the same Manhattan courthouse. Weinstein's accusers said he exploited his Tinseltown influence to dangle career help, get them alone and then trap and force them into sexual encounters. His defence portrayed his accusers as Hollywood wannabes and hangers-on who willingly hooked up with him to court opportunity, then later said they were victimised to collect settlement funds and #MeToo approbation. Miriam Haley, the producer and production assistant whom Weinstein was convicted — twice, now — of sexually assaulting, said outside court on Wednesday that the new verdict 'gives me hope'. Accuser Kaja Sokola also called it 'a big win for everyone,' even though Weinstein was acquitted of forcibly performing oral sex on her when she was a 19-year-old fashion model. Her allegation was added to the case after the retrial was ordered. The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted, unless they agree to be identified. Ms Haley, Ms Mann and Ms Sokola did so.
North Wales Chronicle
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Weinstein case judge declares mistrial on remaining rape charge amid jury issues
The outcome positions the former studio boss for a third New York trial — prosecutors said they're ready to retry the rape count — even as he faces a new sentencing on his sexual assault conviction. Weinstein, 73, denies all the charges and had complained to the judge before Wednesday's partial verdict that it was unfair to continue amid jury tensions. He had a blank, drained expression as court officers escorted him out on Thursday in the wheelchair he uses due to various health problems. He has been behind bars since his initial conviction in 2020 and he was later sentenced to prison in a separate California case, which he's appealing. He's due back in court on July 2 for discussion of retrial and sentencing dates. His first-degree criminal sex act conviction carries the potential for up to 25 years in prison, while the unresolved third-degree rape charge is punishable by up to four years — less than he already has served. In Wednesday's partial verdict, Weinstein was convicted of one charge but acquitted of another. Both of those charges concerned accusations of forcing oral sex on women in 2006. Those verdicts still stand. While the jury of seven women and five men was unanimous on those decisions, it got stuck on the rape charge involving another woman, Jessica Mann, who also said she had a consensual sexual relationship with Weinstein. Jury-room strains started leaking into public view on Friday, when a juror asked to be excused because he felt another was being treated unfairly. Then on Monday, the foreperson complained that other jurors were pushing people to change their minds and talking about information beyond the charges. The man raised concerns again on Wednesday, telling the judge he felt afraid in the jury room because another juror was yelling at him for sticking to his opinion and at one point suggested the foreperson would 'see me outside'. When Judge Curtis Farber asked the foreperson whether he was willing to return to deliberations, the man said no. And with that, Mr Farber declared a mistrial on the rape count. Mr Farber said he later spoke to the other 11 jurors, and 'they were extremely disappointed' by the outcome. 'They all thought they were involved in a normal discourse, and they don't understand why the foreperson bowed out,' Mr Farber told Weinstein and the lawyers in court. Ms Mann, a hairstylist and actor, gave evidence for days — as she did in 2020 — about the rape she said she endured in a Manhattan hotel room and about why she continued to see and have consensual encounters with Weinstein afterward. She is ready to return to the witness stand a third time, prosecutor Nicole Blumberg said. In a statement on Wednesday, Ms Mann said that coming forward 'cost me everything', including privacy. 'Still, I stood up and told the truth. Again and again,' she said. Weinstein's initial conviction five years ago seemed to cement the downfall of one of Hollywood's most powerful men in a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct. But that conviction was overturned last year, and the case was sent back for retrial in the same Manhattan courthouse. Weinstein's accusers said he exploited his Tinseltown influence to dangle career help, get them alone and then trap and force them into sexual encounters. His defence portrayed his accusers as Hollywood wannabes and hangers-on who willingly hooked up with him to court opportunity, then later said they were victimised to collect settlement funds and #MeToo approbation. Miriam Haley, the producer and production assistant whom Weinstein was convicted — twice, now — of sexually assaulting, said outside court on Wednesday that the new verdict 'gives me hope'. Accuser Kaja Sokola also called it 'a big win for everyone,' even though Weinstein was acquitted of forcibly performing oral sex on her when she was a 19-year-old fashion model. Her allegation was added to the case after the retrial was ordered. The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted, unless they agree to be identified. Ms Haley, Ms Mann and Ms Sokola did so.
Belfast Telegraph
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Weinstein case judge declares mistrial on remaining rape charge amid jury issues
The outcome positions the former studio boss for a third New York trial — prosecutors said they're ready to retry the rape count — even as he faces a new sentencing on his sexual assault conviction. Weinstein, 73, denies all the charges and had complained to the judge before Wednesday's partial verdict that it was unfair to continue amid jury tensions. He had a blank, drained expression as court officers escorted him out on Thursday in the wheelchair he uses due to various health problems. He has been behind bars since his initial conviction in 2020 and he was later sentenced to prison in a separate California case, which he's appealing. He's due back in court on July 2 for discussion of retrial and sentencing dates. His first-degree criminal sex act conviction carries the potential for up to 25 years in prison, while the unresolved third-degree rape charge is punishable by up to four years — less than he already has served. In Wednesday's partial verdict, Weinstein was convicted of one charge but acquitted of another. Both of those charges concerned accusations of forcing oral sex on women in 2006. Those verdicts still stand. While the jury of seven women and five men was unanimous on those decisions, it got stuck on the rape charge involving another woman, Jessica Mann, who also said she had a consensual sexual relationship with Weinstein. Jury-room strains started leaking into public view on Friday, when a juror asked to be excused because he felt another was being treated unfairly. Then on Monday, the foreperson complained that other jurors were pushing people to change their minds and talking about information beyond the charges. The man raised concerns again on Wednesday, telling the judge he felt afraid in the jury room because another juror was yelling at him for sticking to his opinion and at one point suggested the foreperson would 'see me outside'. When Judge Curtis Farber asked the foreperson whether he was willing to return to deliberations, the man said no. And with that, Mr Farber declared a mistrial on the rape count. Mr Farber said he later spoke to the other 11 jurors, and 'they were extremely disappointed' by the outcome. 'They all thought they were involved in a normal discourse, and they don't understand why the foreperson bowed out,' Mr Farber told Weinstein and the lawyers in court. Ms Mann, a hairstylist and actor, gave evidence for days — as she did in 2020 — about the rape she said she endured in a Manhattan hotel room and about why she continued to see and have consensual encounters with Weinstein afterward. She is ready to return to the witness stand a third time, prosecutor Nicole Blumberg said. In a statement on Wednesday, Ms Mann said that coming forward 'cost me everything', including privacy. 'Still, I stood up and told the truth. Again and again,' she said. Weinstein's initial conviction five years ago seemed to cement the downfall of one of Hollywood's most powerful men in a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct. But that conviction was overturned last year, and the case was sent back for retrial in the same Manhattan courthouse. Weinstein's accusers said he exploited his Tinseltown influence to dangle career help, get them alone and then trap and force them into sexual encounters. His defence portrayed his accusers as Hollywood wannabes and hangers-on who willingly hooked up with him to court opportunity, then later said they were victimised to collect settlement funds and #MeToo approbation. Miriam Haley, the producer and production assistant whom Weinstein was convicted — twice, now — of sexually assaulting, said outside court on Wednesday that the new verdict 'gives me hope'. Accuser Kaja Sokola also called it 'a big win for everyone,' even though Weinstein was acquitted of forcibly performing oral sex on her when she was a 19-year-old fashion model. Her allegation was added to the case after the retrial was ordered. The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted, unless they agree to be identified. Ms Haley, Ms Mann and Ms Sokola did so.
