Harvey Weinstein was seen in state court in Manhattan for his retrial on Friday in New York. A woman who accuses Weinstein of forcing oral sex on her became emotional during intense questioning on her fourth day on the witness stand in the criminal retrial of the disgraced movie mogul.
Miriam Haley, who alleges that Weinstein assaulted her in July 2006, broke down during cross-examination, where she described how Weinstein backed her into a bedroom and assaulted her despite her pleas. The defense lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, challenged Haley’s account, and an emotional exchange ensued.
Haley, 48, raised her voice in response, stating firmly that Weinstein was the one who raped her. The judge paused the proceedings to allow Haley to compose herself after the emotional exchange. The trial resumed after a short break.
Weinstein, who denies the charges of rape, is facing a retrial after his original conviction was overturned on appeal. Haley, also known as Mimi Haleyi, is the first of three women expected to testify against Weinstein in the retrial.
During questioning, Bonjean pressed Haley on why she went to Weinstein’s apartment despite his previous unsettling behavior. Haley maintained that she did not feel unsafe and did not have a reason to decline the invitation. She also became emotional when asked about the clothing she wore during the alleged assault.
Haley’s testimony included details of Weinstein removing her tampon before assaulting her. Bonjean questioned Haley about accepting a flight to attend a movie premiere at Weinstein’s expense the day after the alleged assault.
The retrial continues as Haley and other witnesses provide testimony against Weinstein.
In light of the recent allegations of sexual assault, Haley admitted that she agreed to certain interactions with Weinstein in an effort to mend their relationship. After declining an invitation to Paris, she felt pressured to please him and chose to join him on a trip to Los Angeles alone, where she could also meet up with a friend. When asked if she was trying to make him happy, Haley confirmed that was part of her motivation.
During her testimony, Haley revealed that a few weeks after the alleged assault, she agreed to meet Weinstein at a Manhattan hotel. While she anticipated a conversation in the lobby, she ended up in his room where she engaged in sex that she did not desire but was not explicitly coerced into.
Weinstein’s retrial centers around allegations made by Haley and another accuser, Jessica Mann, who claims she was raped in 2013. Additionally, Weinstein faces charges for allegedly forcing oral sex on former model Kaja Sokola in 2006.
The three witnesses for the prosecution have granted permission for the Associated Press to disclose their identities.
