A Manhattan jury forced a mistrial Friday in Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial after jurors deadlocked, leaving the former Hollywood producer’s New York rape charge unresolved despite three separate trials. Nine of the twelve jurors wanted to acquit on charges he raped hairstylist Jessica Mann in 2013.

Jury Questions Accuser’s Credibility

The majority-male jury split along credibility lines after deliberating three days. Juror Josh Hadar told reporters that nine jurors favored acquittal, citing concerns about Mann’s testimony. She demonstrated detailed memory under prosecution questioning but struggled to recall events during defense cross-examination. Hadar said this inconsistency damaged her credibility, though jurors felt disappointed they could not reach a unanimous verdict despite extensive deliberations.

Juror Sarae Perez emphasized the reasonable doubt standard guided their decision. She stated multiple instances existed where jurors could not trust Mann’s account alone. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo praised the outcome as validating the jury system. Weinstein appeared expressionless as court officers wheeled him from the Manhattan courtroom. The defense maintained throughout trial that the encounter between Weinstein and Mann, who was decades younger, was consensual within their complicated relationship.

Prosecution Weighs Fourth Trial

District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed disappointment but respect for the jury process. His office will consult with Mann before deciding whether to pursue a fourth trial. A hearing scheduled for June 24 will determine next steps. Mann released a statement declaring the mistrial does not diminish the truth of her testimony. She described reliving traumatic experiences and enduring public attacks while pursuing justice, adding that predators retain excessive power in the legal system.

Broader Legal Consequences

Weinstein remains imprisoned for separate sex crime convictions on both coasts despite this mistrial. The Oscar-winning producer and studio executive wielded significant Hollywood influence and maintained major Democratic Party connections before multiple harassment and assault allegations surfaced during the broader cultural reckoning. This case represents one strand of extensive criminal proceedings against Weinstein. His upcoming sentencing in another matter may influence prosecutors’ decision about retrying the New York rape charge. The mistrial demonstrates the substantial burden prosecutors face proving historical sexual assault allegations beyond reasonable doubt when cases rely heavily on victim testimony.