Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein was found guilty Wednesday of one count of criminal sexual assault but acquitted on a second charge, as his retrial in New York delivered a split verdict. The jury remains deadlocked on a third count of rape.
Weinstein, 73, was convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haley, while being acquitted of charges related to Kaja Sokola. Jurors were unable to reach a consensus on the rape allegation involving actress Jessica Mann, prompting the judge to instruct them to resume deliberations on Thursday.
The partial verdict followed signs of escalating tension inside the jury room. Earlier in the day, the jury foreperson sent a note to Manhattan Judge Curtis Farber, stating he “cannot go back inside with those people,” after reportedly accusing fellow jurors of fighting and personal attacks during deliberations. A courtroom transcript described the atmosphere as confrontational and hostile.
Weinstein, addressing the court outside the presence of the jury, claimed the discord was undermining his right to a fair trial.
“We’ve heard threats, we’ve heard fights, we’ve heard intimidation,” Weinstein said. “This is not right for me, the person on trial here.”
Judge Farber allowed a brief cooling-off period before the jury returned with the split decision. In dismissing them for the day, he urged the panel to remain respectful of one another.
The retrial centers on allegations by Haley, Mann, and Sokola—all of whom testified in court—after Weinstein’s initial 2020 conviction was overturned on appeal. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty and maintains that all sexual encounters were consensual. He did not take the stand in his own defense.
Jurors are expected to resume deliberations Thursday on the unresolved rape charge.