Full Breakdown
Manhattan Prosecutors Dismiss Weinstein Rape Charge After Victim Refuses Fourth Testimony
6/26/2026, 7:59:39 PM
Core Event
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that the state will not pursue a fourth trial on the third-degree rape charge against Harvey Weinstein involving actress Jessica Mann. Mann submitted a letter stating she could no longer endure another courtroom appearance, leading prosecutors to dismiss the charge.
Background & Timeline
Weinstein was convicted in 2020 of raping Mann and of a criminal sexual act against former “Project Runway” assistant Miriam Haley. The New York Court of Appeals overturned the 2020 verdict in 2024 on procedural grounds. A 2025 retrial secured a conviction for the Haley assault but resulted in a hung jury on the Mann rape count. A second retrial in May 2026 again ended in a mistrial. On June 25 2026, after Mann declined a fourth testimony, prosecutors moved to dismiss the rape charge. Judge Curtis Farber will sentence Weinstein for the Haley conviction on Sept. 23 2026.
Data & Statistics
Mann testified before two grand juries and three trial juries over eight years. The dismissed rape charge carried a maximum penalty of four years. Prosecutors are seeking a 20-year term for the Haley conviction. Weinstein already serves a 16-year California sentence for a separate rape conviction.
Official Statements & Responses
Bragg’s office affirmed belief in Mann’s credibility and thanked her “honesty and tremendous bravery.” Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg said the decision reflects a survivor-centered approach. Prosecutors reiterated a recommendation that Judge Farber impose a 20-year sentence for the Haley assault.
Criticism & Opposition
Mann wrote, “Justice now has moved away from the courts, solely into the hands of God,” and added that the ordeal “stole a decade of my life and put me through more harm than good,” underscoring her view that the system failed to deliver justice.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the composition of the deadlocked juries—some cite a single juror’s refusal to continue, others describe a broader impasse. The low-level felony classification of the dismissed charge contrasts with the longer sentences Weinstein already serves, leaving the practical impact of the dismissal unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “It was clear to me at this last trial I could no longer endure going through this any longer.” — Jessica Mann, survivor
- “I think there are problems with each of the convictions.” — Marc Agnifilo, attorney
- “Harvey is relieved by today’s outcome,” — Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein spokesperson
What’s Next
Judge Curtis Farber will issue a sentencing decision for the Haley conviction on Sept. 23 2026. Weinstein’s legal team plans to appeal both the New York and California convictions, while survivor-advocacy groups continue to push for reforms.
