Harvey Weinstein defense urges acquittal as rape retrial nears a close
Summary
Harvey Weinstein’s defense team asked jurors to acquit him in a New York retrial for an alleged 2013 rape of Jessica Mann, arguing the encounter was consensual. The jury is considering a complex relationship between Weinstein and Mann, who has publicly identified herself as the accuser.Key Facts
- The retrial concerns an allegation that Harvey Weinstein raped Jessica Mann in a New York hotel in 2013.
- Jessica Mann testified that Weinstein trapped her, forced her to undress, and raped her.
- Weinstein’s defense says the relationship was consensual and emotionally close.
- Weinstein was convicted of the same charges in 2020, but that conviction was overturned.
- A prior retrial ended in a deadlock, meaning the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.
- Weinstein has other sex crime convictions in New York and California, which he is currently appealing.
- Weinstein did not testify in this retrial.
- The case is part of the #MeToo movement, which highlights sexual assault and harassment.
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