Overview of the Retrial
In a highly emotional courtroom testimony, former actress Jessica Mann detailed the events of March 18, 2013, when she alleges that disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein raped her in a Midtown New York hotel room. This testimony is part of Weinstein’s 2025 retrial, following the overturning of his 2020 conviction related to Mann’s case.
Jessica Mann’s Emotional Account
Ms. Mann, now 38, broke down as she described how Weinstein trapped her in a DoubleTree hotel room, administered himself an erectile dysfunction injection, and then forced sexual acts upon her. She explained finding a needle with a label resembling “necro-something,” which she later discovered referred to a medication for erectile dysfunction, adding to her trauma and fear.
For background, see our detailed article on the Harvey Weinstein 2020 Conviction and Appeal.
For ongoing coverage of this and other sexual assault trials, bookmark our Legal News section.
A Complex Relationship
Despite the assault, Mann testified she maintained a complicated relationship with Weinstein, describing him as “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” She explained the psychological struggle of staying connected with a man whose “monster side” would emerge, triggered by her refusal. The testimony sheds light on the manipulation and control tactics employed by Weinstein.
Pattern of Abuse Highlighted
Jessica Mann is the third accuser to testify in the retrial, following testimonies from former model Kaja Sokola and production assistant Miriam “Mimi” Haley. Prosecutors argue these accounts demonstrate a clear pattern of predatory behaviour. For background, see our detailed article on the Harvey Weinstein 2020 Conviction and Appeal.
Legal Stakes
Harvey Weinstein, 73, denies all charges. If convicted of the most serious counts, including rape, he faces up to 25 years in prison. The case remains one of the most high-profile sexual assault trials involving a Hollywood figure.
Jessica Mann is the third and final accuser to testify in the retrial. Earlier, former teen model Kaja Sokola and former production assistant Miriam “Mimi” Haley also took the stand, alleging similar assaults by Harvey Weinstein. Prosecutors are presenting each of these women’s testimonies not only for the specific charges but to show a pattern of predatory behaviour.
The 73-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Conclusion
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1261x886:1263x888)/Harvey-Weinstein-appears-for-a-pre-trial-hearing-on-January-29-2025-012925-2-40f87b9bcbc74dd0b06502ec9d286fc7.jpg "Ex-Actress Jessica Mann Testifies in Harvey Weinstein Retrial, Alleges Hotel Room Rape 4")
The retrial continues to expose the dark side of Hollywood’s power dynamics and the courage of survivors speaking out. For ongoing coverage of this and other sexual assault trials, bookmark our Legal News section.
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