Harvey Weinstein found guilty on one charge in New York retrial

Former Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of one count of sexual assault in a closely watched retrial in New York.

This verdict is being seen as an important moment for survivors of sexual violence and the ongoing fight for justice within the #MeToo movement.

The jury found Weinstein guilty of a criminal sexual act in the first degree for assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006. However, he was found not guilty on another charge involving aspiring actress Kaja Sokola. Jurors could not reach a decision on a third charge related to actress Jessica Mann, who says Weinstein raped her in a hotel room in 2013. The jury will continue to deliberate on that charge.

This trial came after Weinstein’s 2020 conviction in New York was overturned on appeal. That earlier case had resulted in a 23-year prison sentence. He is also currently serving a separate 16-year sentence in California for other sexual assault convictions.

Before the jury returned with the verdict, Weinstein spoke in court and asked the judge to stop the trial, claiming it was unfair. “This is my life on the line,” he said. He also complained about problems among the jurors, saying he wasn’t getting a fair trial.

The judge did not declare a mistrial, but the courtroom learned that the jury had been struggling. Reports described shouting in the jury room and jurors accusing one another of bullying. One juror reportedly told another, “I’ll meet you outside one day,” raising concerns about safety.

Despite the tense atmosphere, the guilty verdict brought a sense of justice for Haley, who spoke publicly afterward. “This gives me hope,” she said. “Hope that the idea of a ‘perfect victim’ is disappearing, and that others will feel empowered to speak out.”

Sokola, who was just 16 years old when she says Weinstein assaulted her, also welcomed the outcome. “This is a big win for everyone,” she said. “I hope it gives courage to others.”

Jessica Mann, whose case is still undecided, released a powerful statement. “Coming forward will cost me everything—my privacy, my safety,” she said. “But I stood up and told the truth.” She also accused Weinstein’s legal team of trying to discredit her.

During the trial, all three women gave emotional testimony. Prosecutors said Weinstein used his power in the film industry to pressure women into unwanted sex, often by promising them acting jobs or career help.

Weinstein’s lawyers argued that the sexual encounters were consensual and claimed the women stayed in contact with him afterward. They said the women gained professional opportunities through their connections with him. But prosecutors and the women rejected these claims as attempts to shift blame.

Weinstein, who is 72 and has cancer, appeared in court in a wheelchair. He did not testify during the trial.

This retrial has reminded many of the early days of the #MeToo movement. Though years have passed, the fight for justice continues — and this verdict may mark a turning point for survivors still waiting to be heard.