Weinstein Retrial: Witness Recounts Graphic Rape Allegations
Alleged Sexual Assault Occurs in New York City Apartment Building as Perceived by Eyewitness
Get the scoop on Harvey Weinstein's sensational retrial, fresh from the courtroom.
The latest round in the controversial trial of disgraced media magnate Harvey Weinstein began today, with one of his accusers taking the stand for a second time. Mimi Haleyi, a former TV production assistant, broke down emotionally as she retold the harrowing events of the alleged rape that took place in 2006.
In New York City, the trial against Weinstein started up again, centered around Haleyi's accusations of rape. The Finnish-born woman testified that she met Weinstein through a job in the TV industry, and after accepting an invitation to a film premiere, he invited her to his apartment. Alone in his home, Weinstein lunged at her and tried to kiss her. When she resisted, he forced her onto a bed in a dark bedroom.
Haleyi bravely described the terrifying ordeal, stating that she thought she was being raped at that moment. Weinstein allegedly proceeded to remove her tampon and force her to perform oral sex. Two of Haleyi's friends testified last week that she had confided in them about the assault, with one advising her not to go to the police due to Weinstein's perceived power.
Haleyi previously testified during the first trial against Weinstein in 2020. The focus of this trial, as well as the original, revolves around Haleyi's allegations of rape, Jessica Mann's allegations of rape in 2013, and another case involving a former model who accuses Weinstein of forced oral sex.
The retrial was triggered after Weinstein's initial conviction was overturned last year due to procedural errors. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison in March 2020 but now faces another trial in New York. The trial in California sentenced him to 16 years in prison in 2023.
The retrial comes amidst reports of Weinstein's declining health. Although specific details of his current condition are not available, it's known that he has faced health issues in the past. The trial is expected to last up to five weeks, with Weinstein's lawyers arguing that the sexual encounters were consensual and defending their client from the previous allegations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Sources:
- ntv.de
- mau/spot/dpa
Harvey Weinstein
- Trials
- Rape
Enrichment data:
- The retrial against Harvey Weinstein started on April 23, 2025, in Manhattan Criminal Court, marking a significant development in the Weinstein case following an appeal decision that criticized the handling of the original trial.
- The prosecution claims that Harvey Weinstein preyed on three women while holding significant power in Hollywood for over 30 years, using his influence to control opportunities in the film and television industry, making it unlikely for others to say no to him.
- The defense strategy now includes challenging the credibility of the accusers and suggesting that they could be motivated by financial gain due to previous settlements they have received.
I'm not going to be a part of this retrial of former media magnate Harvey Weinstein, who is currently facing allegations of rape from Jessica Mann and Mimi Haleyi, including Haleyi's graphic rape allegations in 2006. The trial, taking place in New York City, started due to Weinstein's initial conviction being overturned due to procedural errors in 2021. Whatsapp messages involving Haleyi and her friends discussing the assault were brought to light during the previous trial in 2020. In crime and justice news, this sensational retrial is unfolding in Manhattan Criminal Court, under the broader #MeToo movement that highlights sexual misconduct allegations against powerful men in various industries.
