Harvey Weinstein's New York rape charge dropped - accuser says she can't endure a fourth trial

Published on 26/06/2026 - 8:21 GMT+2

Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein will not face a fourth New York trial over the alleged rape of actress Jessica Mann.

Prosecutors dropped the case on Thursday after his accuser said she could not bear to testify again.

In May, Weinstein's third trial over the allegation ended in a mistrial after the jury said it was deadlocked.

The jury had been unable to reach a unanimous decision over whether Weinstein had raped Mann in 2013 in a New York hotel.

Mann appeared to support Thursday's decision, saying in a letter that prosecutor Nicole Blumberg read to the court: "After a lot of thought and reflection, I have chosen not to proceed with a fourth trial against Harvey Weinstein. It was clear to me at this last trial I could no longer endure going through this any longer."

Mann added that the 8-year-old case has “put me through more harm than good.”

Blumberg told the court that prosecutors believe Mann and hail her “bravery, strength, courage and inspiration” to other survivors, but given her feelings about proceeding, “dismissal is appropriate.”

Weinstein had pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape in the third degree, and has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex.

He left court with a neutral expression, returning to jail to await a September sentencing on a New York sexual assault conviction involving a different woman. Prosecutors are seeking a 20-year prison term.

Once Weinstein finishes the punishment he gets in New York, he is due to serve 16 years in California, where he was convicted of raping a third woman. He is appealing both convictions.