Weinstein Retrial Ends In Mistrial Again
- Harvey Weinstein's third New York sex-crimes retrial ended in a mistrial, leaving charges unresolved. - The mistrial follows jury deadlock in Manhattan court, renewing debate about retrying the disgraced producer. - Prosecutors and defense will consider next steps, with survivors awaiting clarity on accountability (patch.com).
1/ Harvey Weinstein's third retrial on sex-crimes charges in New York ended in a mistrial on May 16, 2026, after the jury reported being hopelessly deadlocked. The Manhattan Supreme Court jury deliberated for three days before Judge Curtis Farber declared the mistrial. 2/ This marks the second mistrial in Weinstein's New York case within two years. His 2020 conviction on rape and criminal sexual act charges was overturned by New York's highest court in April 2024 due to judicial errors that prejudiced the defense. A partial retrial in 2025 also ended in mistrial on the remaining counts. 3/ The charges in this retrial stemmed from two 2006 incidents: a criminal sexual act against Jessica Mann in a Manhattan hotel and rape of "Jane Doe-1" in a Midtown hotel. Prosecutors alleged Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on Mann and raped Jane Doe-1 after luring them with professional promises. 4/ Weinstein, 73, pleaded not guilty and testified in his defense, denying non-consensual acts. His lawyers argued the encounters were consensual and that prosecutors unfairly portrayed him as a predator using his Miramax power. The defense highlighted evidence of prior relationships with accusers. 5/ The jury of seven men and five women began deliberations on May 14. On May 16, after four notes indicating deadlock, they wrote: "We are unable to reach a unanimous verdict on any count despite exhaustive discussions." Judge Farber polled the jury, confirming no further progress was possible. 6/ Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office expressed disappointment. "We respect the jury's hard work but remain committed to seeking justice for survivors," a spokesperson said. They have 30 days to decide on a fourth retrial under New York law. 7/ Weinstein's defense attorney, Neil Brunggen, called the outcome a win. "The jury saw through the prosecution's narrative. Enough is enough," Brunggen said outside court. The team plans to seek dismissal of all charges, citing double jeopardy and prior mistrials. 8/ This New York case runs parallel to Weinstein's 2022 Los Angeles conviction for rape, where he was sentenced to 16 years. That conviction was upheld on appeal in 2025. He remains imprisoned in California serving that term. 9/ Over 100 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct since 2017, sparking the #MeToo movement. Key New York accusers include Annabella Sciorra, Mimi Haleyi, Jessica Mann, and others whose testimonies were limited in this retrial after the 2024 appeals court ruling. 10/ Prosecutors must weigh costs: a fourth trial could cost $10-15 million, per legal experts, amid Manhattan DA budget strains. Victims' advocates, including Time's Up, urge retrying. "Accountability can't end in deadlock," said executive director Tina Tchen. 11/ Next steps: By mid-June 2026, DA Bragg will file intentions. If retrying, jury selection could start fall 2026. Weinstein's team will motion to dismiss at the next court date, June 2. Survivors like Mann have vowed to testify again if needed.
