A judge has declared a mistrial in the rape case against Harvey Weinstein, after the jury in New York said it was deadlocked and unable to reach a verdict.
This verdict marks the third time a New York jury has considered the case against the 74-year-old disgraced film mogul, who remains jailed on other charges.
The month-long trial was centered around whether Weinstein raped aspiring actress Jessica Mann more than a decade ago. He was initially convicted, but that verdict was overturned. Following a second trial last year, a mistrial was declared.
Since October 2017, dozens of women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, including rape, claims he has consistently denied.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that prosecutors are currently determining whether to bring the case to trial again. While we are disappointed that the proceedings ended with a mistrial, we deeply respect the jury system and sincerely thank all of the jurors for their time and dedication, he said.
He also noted that they would consult with Mann regarding their next steps, especially in consideration of Weinstein's pending sentencing for separate sexual assault offenses.
Weinstein's defense team asserted that the outcome highlights the entrenched public perception surrounding him, indicating that for many, "saying 'not guilty' has become emotionally or socially impossible."
The decision to declare a mistrial came after jurors indicated on their third day of deliberations that they could not reach a unanimous verdict. The judge stated, I see no reason to go any further before thanking the jury for their service.
One juror revealed that nine wanted to acquit Weinstein while three favored conviction. Following the ruling, Mann reiterated her commitment to the truth, expressing her desire for justice despite the trial's outcome.
Weinstein has faced numerous sexual misconduct allegations and has been indicted on new sexual assault charges as recent legal battles continue. His previous conviction in a California court could lead to him spending the remainder of his life in prison.
The persistent accusations against Weinstein have played a pivotal role in galvanizing the #MeToo movement, challenging the status quo and addressing rampant sexual abuse by powerful figures in various industries.
