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Prosecutors on Tuesday accused Harvey Weinstein of using his powerful position in Hollywood to prey on aspiring actress Jessica Mann, as his rape retrial opened in Manhattan.
Assistant District Attorney Candace White told jurors that the case is about “power, control and manipulation,” alleging that Weinstein exploited Mann’s vulnerability and career ambitions. According to the prosecution, Mann—then a struggling 27-year-old actress—was lured with false promises of film roles before being assaulted in a hotel room in 2013.
Weinstein, 74, appeared in court in a wheelchair due to health issues but followed proceedings closely. He has denied the charge of third-degree rape.
Weinstein’s defense lawyer, Jacob Kaplan, argued that the relationship between Weinstein and Mann was consensual. He told the jury the case is about “consent, choice and regret,” pointing to years of continued contact and what he described as friendly and supportive messages exchanged between the two.
The retrial focuses solely on Mann’s allegation after a previous trial ended in a mistrial when the jury failed to reach a verdict. Prosecutors are expected to call expert witnesses, including a forensic psychologist, to explain why victims of sexual assault may maintain contact with their alleged abusers.
Weinstein is already serving a 16-year prison sentence in California for a separate rape conviction and will remain behind bars regardless of the outcome of this case.
Once one of Hollywood’s most powerful producers, Weinstein became the central figure of a wave of allegations of inappropriate conduct that helped ignite the global #MeToo movement in 2017. More than 80 women have accused him of harassment or assault.
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