Harvey Weinstein Jury Delivers Partial Verdict in Retrial for Sexual Assault

In a high-profile retrial, a jury in Manhattan has reached a partial verdict regarding sexual assault charges against disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein. On Wednesday, December 11, 2025, the jury unanimously found Weinstein guilty of sexually assaulting one woman while acquitting him of charges related to a second accuser. The jury remains deadlocked on allegations concerning a third victim, prompting Judge Curtis Farber to instruct jurors to continue deliberations on Thursday.

This retrial stems from Weinstein's 2020 conviction for third-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual act, which was overturned by the New York State Court of Appeals last year due to procedural errors in the initial trial. The court determined that improper testimony had been included against Weinstein that did not pertain directly to the case, leading to the retrial which began on May 29, 2025.

During the six-week proceedings, the jury listened to testimonies from multiple accusers, including former production assistant Miriam Haley and actress Jessica Mann, both of whom testified in the previous trial. Also included was Kaja Sokola, a former runway model from Poland, who provided new testimony regarding an alleged assault in 2006. Sokola claimed that Weinstein forced her to perform sexual acts, stating, "Her first sexual experience was the defendant forcing himself on her," as articulated by Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg during closing arguments.

Weinstein, now 73, has consistently denied all allegations, asserting that his interactions with the women were consensual and transactional. His defense attorney, Arthur Aidala, argued during closing statements that the women were motivated by financial gain, describing them as "grifters." Aidala further criticized the prosecution's case, suggesting that the alleged victims had exaggerated their accounts and were coached by prosecutors to present their experiences in a certain light.

In contrast, prosecutors painted a starkly different picture of Weinstein, asserting that he exploited his power in Hollywood to prey on vulnerable women. Blumberg stated, "He never had any interest in their careers. He had an interest in their bodies, and he was going to have their bodies and touch their bodies whether they had wanted him to or not."

Despite the partial verdict, Weinstein faces potential consequences beyond this retrial. He is currently serving a 16-year sentence in California for a separate rape conviction from 2022, which is still under appeal. Weinstein's health has also been a subject of concern; reports indicate that he has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, complicating his legal and personal circumstances.

As the jury continues its deliberations, the implications of this trial extend beyond Weinstein himself, highlighting ongoing discussions around sexual misconduct in Hollywood and the broader cultural reckoning initiated by the #MeToo movement. The outcome could further influence public perceptions of accountability in the entertainment industry and the treatment of sexual assault survivors.

This story remains developing, and updates will be provided as more information comes to light.