A New York judge has declared a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial for the third time. Jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict on a third-degree rape charge.
Judge Curtis Farber made the decision following heated jury deliberations that became so contentious the foreperson refused to continue. The foreperson claimed another juror had threatened him during last spring’s proceedings, prompting the judge to act.
“Deliberations escalated to such a level that I am compelled to announce a mistrial on the single count for which you could not reach a verdict,” Farber said from the bench.
The mistrial centers on allegations that Weinstein sexually assaulted Jessica Mann in 2013. Weinstein was previously convicted of criminal sexual assault against accuser Miriam Haley but acquitted on assault charges involving Kaja Sokola.
Weinstein’s defense team has indicated the disgraced producer may consider a plea deal on the third-degree rape charge. However, Weinstein himself has consistently denied wrongdoing in court. He insists he “has never attacked anyone.”
Prosecutors say they intend to retry the charge. A status hearing is scheduled for July 2 to determine next steps in the case.
The latest mistrial extends the legal saga that began more than a decade ago with the #MeToo movement’s exposure of Weinstein’s alleged crimes. He already faces sentencing on a prior sex crime conviction. Meanwhile, authorities prepare for another trial on this latest charge.
