Full Breakdown
New York Drops Harvey Weinstein Rape Charge After Victim Declines Fourth Trial
6/25/2026, 10:08:07 PM
Dismissal of Rape Charge Marks End of Fourth Trial Attempt
On June 25, 2026 Manhattan prosecutors dismissed the third-degree rape charge against producer Harvey Weinstein, linked to a 2013 alleged assault of hairstylist Jessica Mann in a hotel. Weinstein, 74, remains jailed on separate sexual-felony convictions in New York and California.
#MeToo Era Background and Legal History
Accusations against Weinstein erupted in 2017, igniting #MeToo and prompting criminal investigations. He was convicted of raping Mann in 2020; an appeals court overturned the verdict on procedural grounds. Retrials in 2025 and spring 2026 ended in hung juries.
Chronology of Legal Proceedings
- 2013: Alleged rape of Jessica Mann in a Manhattan hotel.
- 2017: Allegations become public, fueling #MeToo.
- 2020: First trial; Weinstein convicted.
- 2020-21: Conviction overturned.
- 2025: Retrial ends in mistrial after three days.
- Spring 2026: Second retrial deadlocks.
- June 25 2026: Prosecutors drop charge as Mann declines a fourth trial.
Quantitative Details of Charges and Sentences
The dismissed charge carried a four-year maximum, shorter than Weinstein’s terms, which include a New York sexual-felony sentence of up to 25 years and California convictions. Mann testified for five days in three trials; juries deliberated three days in 2025 and several days in 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
DA Alvin Bragg’s office affirmed belief in Mann’s credibility and respected her decision to stop testifying. Assistant DA Nicole Blumberg praised Mann’s “bravery, strength, courage and inspiration,” calling the dismissal appropriate. Defense lawyer Jacob Kaplan said the “interests of justice would have never been to bring this case at all.” The judge entered the dismissal order without comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Weinstein’s attorneys argue the accusations arise from consensual relationships and contend jury deadlocks show insufficient evidence. They urged the district attorney to reconsider pursuing similar cases without clear, willing testimony.
On-the-Ground Reports
Mann described a consensual relationship that turned non-consensual when she said “no” and tried to leave. She reported difficulty focusing during testimony, prompting early adjournments. Weinstein reported chest pains during deliberations, leading to temporary recesses.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the charge’s label—some call it a third-degree rape, others a felony with a four-year maximum. The dates of the hung juries also vary, with some reports citing 2025 and others spring 2026.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After a lot of thought and reflection, I have chosen not to proceed with a fourth trial against Harvey Weinstein,” — Jessica Mann, hairstylist and actor
- “Instead, she wants to heal and move forward with her life.” — Nicole Blumberg, Assistant District Attorney
- “To be clear, we believe Ms. Mann's account and her credibility as a witness. This has been an extraordinarily taxing ordeal for her, and she has never wavered while testifying in front of two grand juries and three trial juries over the course of eight years. We thank her for her honesty and her tremendous bravery,” — Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney
- “acted wrongly, but I never assaulted anyone.” — Harvey Weinstein, former producer
What’s Next
Weinstein will continue serving his existing sentences while the Manhattan District Attorney’s office reviews other pending sexual-assault cases. Advocacy groups have called for legislative reforms to better protect witnesses and streamline prosecutions of historic abuse.
