Manhattan prosecutors seek to drop Harvey Weinstein rape charge
Prosecutors in New York have moved to drop a third-degree rape charge against Harvey Weinstein after the woman who accused him declined to testify in a possible fourth trial, citing the ordeal of previous proceedings.
Prosecutors move to drop charge
Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg's office on Thursday requested the dismissal of a third-degree rape charge against former film producer Harvey Weinstein. The move comes after the accuser, Jessica Mann, informed prosecutors she did not wish to testify again, having already appeared before two grand juries and three trial juries.
Background of the case
Weinstein, 74, had been charged with raping Mann in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. His third trial on this allegation ended in a mistrial last May when jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty and denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.
Ongoing legal matters
Bragg's office also asked the court to sentence Weinstein to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley. Weinstein was originally convicted of raping Mann and assaulting Haley in 2020, but that conviction was overturned by New York's highest court due to unfair trial proceedings. He remains incarcerated due to a separate conviction.
Reaction and context
A representative for Weinstein expressed relief, stating the charge should never have been brought. More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, allegations he continues to deny.
