Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial was brought to a halt on Wednesday after the former Hollywood film producer began experiencing chest pains while in court. Jurors had been deliberating in the retrial when Weinstein, 74, felt unwell, prompting the judge to end the session.
Details of the Incident
Weinstein, who uses a wheelchair and has multiple health issues, was not in the courtroom but elsewhere in the courthouse. Defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo informed the judge that court officers had reported Weinstein's chest pains. Jurors had deliberated for less than four hours and had just requested to rehear part of accuser Jessica Mann's testimony and review a lengthy prosecution timeline of emails and other evidence.
Judge's Response
Judge Curtis Farber sent jurors home about an hour early, citing 'unforeseen reasons' to avoid speculation about Weinstein's absence. Prosecutors and Weinstein's lawyers also left the courtroom. Agnifilo stated, 'He wants to be here, but he's having chest pains,' before leaving.
Background of the Case
Jessica Mann, 40, testified that she had a consensual relationship with Weinstein but that he subjected her to unwanted sex in a Manhattan hotel room in March 2013 after she repeatedly said no. Weinstein's lawyers maintain the encounter was consensual, noting Mann continued seeing him and expressing warmth. Mann said she was 'normalising everything' due to complicated feelings.
Her perspective changed in 2017 when sexual misconduct allegations against Weinstein sparked the #MeToo movement. Weinstein has admitted to acting wrongly but denies assault. His 2020 New York conviction was overturned on appeal, and a retrial last year ended in a hung jury on Mann's charges. He now faces one count of third-degree rape.
Weinstein's Health Issues
Weinstein has battled ill health, including emergency heart surgery in 2024 and a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia in October 2024. His legal healthcare representative, Craig Rothfeld, declined further comment, citing privacy.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, help is available at www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling 0808 802 9999.
