Jessica Mann testified for a third time in Harvey Weinstein’s New York rape retrial, telling jurors he trapped her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and assaulted her despite her objections. Weinstein, now 73 and in prison, denies the allegation. Defence lawyers argue the relationship was consensual and will cross-examine her later.
International
-Sathish Raman
Jessica Mann told jurors on Tuesday that Harvey Weinstein trapped Mann in a New York hotel room. Mann said Weinstein assaulted Mann and ignored repeated requests to stop. It was Mann’s third time giving this account in court. Mann described pleading with Weinstein and trying to leave during the 2013 incident.
Jessica Mann testified for a third time in Harvey Weinstein’s New York rape retrial, telling jurors he trapped her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and assaulted her despite her objections. Weinstein, now 73 and in prison, denies the allegation. Defence lawyers argue the relationship was consensual and will cross-examine her later.
“I said no over and over, and I tried to leave,\” Jessica Mann told jurors, sobbing. \”He just treated me like he owned me.\” Mann, 40, works as a hairstylist and actor. Mann said the relationship began as consensual but later turned into rape. Mann testified six years after first speaking to jurors.
Harvey Weinstein retrial and legal history
Weinstein, 73, watched closely during Mann’s testimony and sometimes sipped water. Weinstein denies assaulting anyone and is appealing other sex crime convictions. Lawyers for Weinstein said the encounters were consensual. They have not yet questioned Mann in this retrial. Weinstein was convicted in 2020, then that conviction was overturned.
A jury deadlocked on the rape count at a retrial last year. Jurors listened closely as Mann gave a second day of testimony. Several jurors held pens ready to take notes. Mann sometimes cried, as in earlier trials. Mann was asked if a break was needed but Mann declined.
Jessica Mann account in Harvey Weinstein retrial
Mann said Mann met Weinstein at a Los Angeles-area party around early 2013. Mann had done some acting but wanted a bigger break. Mann said Weinstein showed interest and later arranged meetings. Mann described a mix of career advice and invites to industry events. Mann also described advances that felt uncomfortable but were not refused.
Mann said there was an emotional meltdown during an episode involving Weinstein and another woman. Even after that, Mann chose to start a consensual sexual liaison. Mann explained the decision with a personal belief about behaviour. \”this is just normal for men to kind of be that way, and I just thought that maybe by being a in relationship with him, it would make me feel better.\”
Mann said Weinstein’s behaviour shifted between pleasant and harsh. Mann said Weinstein could be charming and make Mann feel validated. Mann also said conversations about sexual practices felt demeaning. Mann said refusal could trigger a different side. Mann described \”this monster side\” in a demanding man who pointed to Hollywood influence.
New York hotel room details in Harvey Weinstein retrial
Mann said Weinstein arrived early in New York before a planned breakfast with Mann and others. Mann said the trip was tied to a friend’s work travel. Mann said Weinstein took a room at Mann’s hotel. Mann said Mann protested at the front desk that the room was not needed. A former hotel employee earlier supported that point.
Mann said Weinstein snapped at Mann not to embarrass Weinstein. Mann said Mann went up to the room to resolve the tension privately. Mann recalled Weinstein ordering Mann to undress. \”But he wasnt listening to me; he was just telling me to undress,\” Mann said. Mann said Mann pleaded, \”Please dont. I dont want to,\” and tried the door.
Mann said Weinstein, who was taller and heavier, slammed the door shut. Mann said Weinstein grabbed Mann’s wrists and held them crossed in front of Mann’s face. Mann described feeling frightened and then going numb. \”That was really scary, so I remember just like kind of like – just shutting down and giving up, because I had been fighting and arguing. So I obeyed, by undressing and lying on the bed,\” Mann testified.
Mann said Weinstein went to the bathroom and then returned. Mann told jurors that Weinstein raped Mann after coming back. Mann said Mann later went downstairs for breakfast with friends. Mann said Mann felt shocked but did not show it. Mann said Mann told no one at the time about the alleged rape.
Mann said Mann still accepted Weinstein’s invitation to extend the trip. Mann said Mann attended a movie screening and had tea with Weinstein and Weinstein’s daughter. Mann said the goal was to keep things calm around others. \”I just wanted everyone to act like everything was normal,\” Mann said. The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted, unless they agree to be named, as Mann has done.
With inputs from PTI
