Harvey Weinstein was back in court on Thursday morning after experiencing chest pains during jury deliberations the previous day. The 74-year-old former film producer, who has a history of heart problems, appeared alert as he was wheeled into the courtroom, telling reporters he felt 'good, fine.'
On Wednesday, jurors had been deliberating for several hours when they requested to rehear testimony from accuser Jessica Mann and review a prosecution timeline of evidence. While lawyers and the judge convened to discuss the request, Weinstein's attorney Marc Agnifilo informed the court that the defendant was suffering from chest pains. Judge Curtis Farber dismissed the jury early, citing 'unforeseen reasons.'
Weinstein is facing a single count of rape in the third degree related to an alleged incident with Mann in a Manhattan hotel room in March 2013. Mann, now 40, testified that she willingly engaged in some sexual encounters with the married producer but that he subjected her to unwanted sex after she repeatedly said no. The defense maintains the encounter was consensual, pointing to Mann's continued contact with Weinstein afterward.
Mann's perspective shifted in 2017 amid a wave of sexual misconduct allegations against Weinstein that sparked the #MeToo movement. Weinstein has admitted to 'acting wrongly' but denies any non-consensual acts. His 2020 New York conviction was overturned on appeal, and a retrial last year ended in a hung jury on Mann's charges, leading to the current proceedings.
The jury has heard nearly three weeks of testimony, including five days from Mann. Weinstein did not testify. The Associated Press typically does not name sexual assault accusers, but Mann has consented to be identified.
