Weinstein Denied New Trial as Guilty Plea Considered in 2013 Rape Case

Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein appeared frail and in a wheelchair as he returned to a Manhattan courtroom Thursday, facing the possibility of yet another trial unless he opts for a guilty plea in a 2013 rape case involving former aspiring actress Jessica Mann.

Weinstein, now 73, has not admitted to any criminal wrongdoing but is reportedly considering a deal to avoid another humiliating trial that could begin as early as March 3. His attorney, Arthur Aidala, told Judge Curtis Farber that the decision is still under review.

“I admit my moral failings, I was unfaithful and acted wrongly,” Weinstein told the judge. “But I have never assaulted anyone.”

But Weinstein’s courtroom battles aren’t over. Thursday’s hearing also brought closure to another request by his defense team a motion for a new trial related to his first-degree criminal sexual act conviction from the retrial of charges made by Project Runway production assistant Miriam Haley. That request was denied, with Judge Farber rejecting claims that jurors were “pressured” into convicting.

Here’s where things stand:

• Weinstein was convicted in 2020 of third-degree rape against Jessica Mann, but that verdict was overturned in 2024 by an appeals court due to improper judicial rulings.

• A retrial last year ended in a hung jury, and now Weinstein faces a third round—unless he pleads guilty.

• He remains convicted of first-degree sexual assault against Haley, stemming from a 2006 incident, and is serving time at Rikers Island.

• He was acquitted of assault allegations made by former model Kaja Sokola.

In a last-ditch effort, Weinstein's team claimed juror misconduct, alleging that two members of the jury were coerced. But Judge Farber pushed back, calling the court's handling of the matter “appropriate” and rejecting any notion of tainted deliberations.

The reality is, Weinstein’s legal avenues are drying up. Once considered untouchable in Hollywood, he now shuffles through courtrooms clinging to technicalities and failing appeals while multiple victims continue to press forward with their accusations.

More than 100 women have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct over the last decade a cultural reckoning that helped launch the #MeToo movement. But as Weinstein tries to delay justice yet again, many believe a guilty plea is his only remaining move.

The judge gave Weinstein additional time to consider his plea options, but time is a luxury that may soon run out. If a deal isn’t reached, his trial will begin March 3, and Jessica Mann is expected to testify once again.

The message from the courtroom was clear: there will be no more delays, no more games and the path forward leads only to justice.

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