> At a Glance
> – Harvey Weinstein may plead guilty to third-degree rape to avoid a third trial
> – The charge relates to Jessica Mann’s 2013 allegation; two prior juries deadlocked or overturned
> – Judge set March 3 for retrial after rejecting Weinstein’s juror-misconduct claims
> – Why it matters: A plea would end years of court battles and decide if Weinstein faces more prison time
Harvey Weinstein’s legal team told a Manhattan judge Thursday the ex-producer is weighing a guilty plea on a single third-degree rape count, a move that could spare him another high-stakes trial.
The Possible Plea
Defense lawyer Arthur Aidala informed Judge Curtis Farber that Weinstein is considering admitting to the charge stemming from Jessica Mann’s claim he raped her in a New York hotel in March 2013. Weinstein still denies any non-consensual act, telling the court:
> “I know I was unfaithful and acted wrongly, but I never assaulted anyone.”
A brief timeline of the charge:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Convicted of third-degree rape of Mann |
| 2024 | Conviction overturned on appeal |
| 2024 | Retrial jury deadlocked on Mann count |
| 2025 | Third trial tentatively set for March 3 |
Judge Denies Dismissal
Farber refused to toss Weinstein’s separate first-degree criminal sexual act conviction tied to Miriam Haley, rejecting claims of jury infighting during deliberations. Prosecutor Nicole Blumberg urged immediate sentencing on that count, arguing:
> “Miriam Haley deserves closure and not have to keep her life on hold while a retrial occurs.”
The judge declined, saying he will wait until the Mann matter is resolved.
Prison Conditions Cited
Weinstein, held at Rikers Island for 19 months, described the jail as “soul-crushing” and told Farber:
> “The weight of justice grows heavier… It is a death sentence. My mental state is collapsing and the isolation is unbearable.”
Farber replied he believes the second trial was fair and that robust deliberations are normal.
Key Takeaways
- A plea on the Mann count would avert a third trial but add to his 2024 conviction for assaulting Haley
- The Haley conviction remains intact; sentencing is on hold
- Weinstein faces up to four more years on the Haley count even if he pleads on the Mann charge
Whether Weinstein ultimately accepts a deal or proceeds to trial, the March 3 date marks the next decisive moment in a legal saga that has already reshaped Hollywood’s accountability landscape.
