Weinstein Rape Case Retrial: Key Testimony from Jessica Mann

NEW YORK — In a dramatic turn of events, Jessica Mann, a former stylist and actress, took the stand for the third time regarding her allegations against Harvey Weinstein. On Tuesday, she recounted how the once-powerful figure allegedly locked her in a hotel room and assaulted her, dismissing her repeated objections.

“I kept saying ‘no’ and I was trying to leave,” a visibly emotional Mann shared with jurors. “It was like I was his property.”

Mann, now 40, previously testified six years ago about her complex relationship with Weinstein, describing how it tragically escalated to rape. During her testimony, she observed Weinstein closely—he is now 73—while he discussed his actions toward her in a 2013 hotel incident.

Weinstein, who has won an Oscar, is currently appealing other sex crime convictions and has denied the allegations. While his lawyers have yet to cross-examine Mann in this retrial, they maintain that everything that transpired between them was consensual.

After being convicted in 2020 for raping Mann, that decision was later overturned, followed by a deadlocked jury last year during another retrial.

Jurors paid close attention as Mann navigated through her testimony, capturing her emotional moments with notes in hand. On her second day on the stand, she became flustered when asked about her interactions with Weinstein after the alleged assault, leading to a brief recess.

Their encounters began at a party in Los Angeles back in early 2013, where Mann sought a breakthrough in her acting career. Initially, their meetings involved professional guidance and glamorous industry invitations, but eventually transitioned to invitations that left her feeling uncomfortable, though she didn’t refuse them.

Mann went on to develop a consensual sexual relationship with the married producer, feeling that it might alleviate her emotional turmoil. Sometimes, Weinstein’s charm made her feel accepted, but there were also moments that left her feeling humiliated.

She recalled a time when Weinstein unexpectedly showed up during a work trip in New York. Their breakfast turned awkward when Weinstein insisted on taking her to his hotel room, which she didn’t anticipate. Mann expressed her discomfort and tried to leave, but Weinstein overpowered her.

“I remember fighting and arguing, then I just gave up,” Mann testified. “I took off my clothes and laid on the bed.” She recounted a harrowing moment when, upon returning from the bathroom, she found evidence of Weinstein’s prior behavior before he assaulted her.

Despite what happened, she didn’t reveal the incident to anyone at the time. Instead, she continued with planned social outings and kept in touch with Weinstein, even accepting some assistance from him when she faced financial difficulties. However, she refused a cash envelope he offered, feeling uncomfortable about it.

In time, Mann sought to end their sexual relationship, sending Weinstein a message asking him to respect her new boyfriend. His response was heartfelt, but when he discovered details about her boyfriend being an actor, his fury erupted. Mann testified that he raped her again, expressing a threatening tone.

So far, no charges have been brought against Weinstein related to these allegations. The Associated Press typically does not disclose the identities of individuals who allege sexual assault unless they choose to go public, as Mann has done.