Harvey Weinstein accuser, Jessica Mann, speaks out after rape trial ends in mistrial

Former film producer remains behind bars as prosecutors weigh whether another retrial will move forward in New York

Jessica Mann has spoken publicly after the latest rape trial involving Harvey Weinstein ended in a mistrial, with jurors unable to reach a unanimous verdict on one count of rape linked to allegations dating back to 2013.

In a statement released following the court decision on May 15, Mann said the mistrial did not diminish what she described as the truth of her testimony or the seriousness of the allegations she brought against Weinstein. She stated that she had now testified in three separate trials and maintained that she came forward to pursue justice despite intense public scrutiny and repeated courtroom challenges.

Weinstein had been facing one rape charge connected to Mann’s allegation that he assaulted her in 2013. The former Hollywood producer has consistently denied all accusations of non consensual sexual activity. The latest proceedings marked the third trial centred on Mann’s allegation, continuing one of the most closely watched legal sagas to emerge from the wider #MeToo movement.

The original New York conviction against Weinstein took place in 2020, when he was found guilty of raping Mann and sexually assaulting former Project Runway production assistant Miriam Haley. That conviction was later overturned in 2024 after the New York Court of Appeals ruled that testimony from additional women whose allegations were not directly tied to the charges should not have been admitted during the original proceedings.

A retrial held in 2025 resulted in Weinstein being convicted of a criminal sexual act involving Haley. However, jurors remained divided on the rape allegation involving Mann, forcing prosecutors to pursue another trial in an attempt to secure a verdict on that specific count. The latest proceedings again concluded without a unanimous jury decision, leading the judge to declare a mistrial.

Despite the mistrial, Weinstein will remain in custody. He is still awaiting sentencing connected to the 2025 conviction involving Haley. Separately, Weinstein was convicted in California in 2022 on charges of rape and sexual assault and received a 16 year prison sentence in that case.

Following the mistrial announcement, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said prosecutors would review their next steps in consultation with Mann. He added that the office remained committed to pursuing sexual violence cases in a manner focused on survivors and accountability.

Mann’s statement also reflected on the emotional toll of repeated trials, saying she had endured attempts to shame and discredit her in open court. She argued that powerful figures continue to hold influence within industries and institutions, adding that she chose to speak publicly because she believes survivors deserve justice regardless of a defendant’s status or wealth.