Jessica Mann, the final accuser to testify in Harvey Weinstein’s New York retrial, gave emotional testimony Tuesday detailing an alleged rape by the former film producer.
Mann, a former aspiring actress now working as a hair stylist, said she met Weinstein at a party in late 2012 or early 2013, after moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She described their relationship as initially professional, but said Weinstein soon made unwanted advances, including asking for a massage.
Though Weinstein sometimes supported her career, she said he became aggressive when she resisted his sexual demands. By late 2013, Mann had a serious boyfriend and tried to end contact with Weinstein. After learning her boyfriend was an actor, Weinstein allegedly became enraged and raped her.
“It happened so fast and forcefully,” Mann said through tears. “He threw me on the bed and said I owed him. I begged him to stop. He ripped my pants, scratched my legs, and raped me. I went into shock.”
Mann said she later regained consciousness to find Weinstein forcing her to perform oral sex. “I crawled to the bathroom and didn’t recognize myself in the mirror. I had cried so hard my face was swollen,” she told the court.
Mann briefly left the stand to compose herself. As she passed Weinstein, she pointed to her tear-streaked face and stared at him. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala requested a mistrial, claiming her testimony was prejudicial. The judge denied the motion.
Back on the stand, Mann said Weinstein allowed her to continue her relationship with her boyfriend after the alleged assault. “I was disoriented and scared. I didn’t go to the hospital. I just showered for hours,” she said. “I didn’t report it because I was afraid.”
She also described another alleged incident from March 2013 in New York. Mann said Weinstein pressured her into a hotel room, blocked her from leaving, and assaulted her. She later found what appeared to be an injection of an erection drug in the trash.
Weinstein is charged with third-degree rape in connection with the 2013 New York incident, and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act based on allegations from two other women. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial is ongoing.
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