In a dramatic moment during Harvey Weinstein’s retrial, Miriam Haley—a former production assistant on Project Runway—broke down in tears as she was cross-examined about her 2006 sexual assault allegations against the disgraced Hollywood mogul.
Ms Haley, 48, is the first accuser to testify in what marks Weinstein’s third sex crimes trial in five years. She alleges that Weinstein assaulted her at his apartment in July 2006 after inviting her over under the pretext of a casual visit.
Cross-Examination Sparks Emotional Collapse
During Friday’s courtroom session, Weinstein’s attorney Jennifer Bonjean pressed Haley with pointed questions about the details of the alleged assault—including what she was wearing and whether she had removed her own clothes. Haley responded emotionally:
“He took my clothes off…I didn’t take my clothes off,” she said through tears. “He was the one who raped me, not the other way around.”
Bonjean rebutted, “That is for the jury to decide,” to which Haley replied, “No, it’s not for the jury to decide. It’s my experience. And he did that to me,” before the judge intervened to pause the proceedings and allow her to compose herself.
Overview of the Charges
Harvey Weinstein, 73, faces charges of sexual assault against Haley and Kaja Sokola, and rape of a third woman, Jessica Mann. All the alleged incidents occurred during his reign as one of Hollywood’s most powerful film producers.
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team claims that the encounters were consensual and that the accusers willingly engaged with a man who could potentially boost their careers.
Appeal and Retrial Background
This retrial comes after Weinstein’s 2020 conviction was overturned by an appeals court, which ruled he did not receive a fair trial. The decision reopened wounds for victims and advocates of the #MeToo movement, which was largely sparked by the flood of allegations against Weinstein in 2017.
Ms Haley’s emotional testimony is likely to set the tone for what is expected to be a contentious trial. She first came forward publicly in 2017, and her account was among those that led to the broader reckoning over sexual misconduct in entertainment and beyond.
What Happens Next?
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with additional testimony from other accusers and witnesses. Weinstein remains imprisoned, already serving a 23-year sentence from a separate New York conviction that is also under appeal.
As proceedings continue, attention will remain focused on the testimonies of the alleged victims and the defense’s attempts to dismantle their credibility—raising deeper questions about justice, power, and the treatment of survivors in high-profile sexual assault trials.
Related: History of the Weinstein sexual assault cases | Impact of #MeToo movement on Hollywood
