Ex-TV production assistant testifies in Harvey Weinstein’s retrial after accusing him of sexual assault.
A former television production assistant revisited her traumatic account of sexual assault by Harvey Weinstein during the ongoing retrial in Manhattan. The testimony occurred on April 29, 2025, where Miriam “Mimi” Haley, now 48, outlined her interactions with the disgraced movie mogul, first meeting him in 2004 at a London afterparty for the premiere of “The Aviator.” Haley’s allegations date back to July 10, 2006, when she claims that Weinstein forcibly assaulted her in his Soho loft.
During her testimony, Haley recounted various incidents leading up to the alleged assault, including a moment at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. Following her introduction to Weinstein at a previous event, she was invited to meet him at Miramax’s offices during the festival. While she had expected a professional discussion, the meeting took an unexpected turn as Weinstein allegedly inquired whether she could give him a massage, prompting her to leave feeling disappointed and humiliated.
Despite the disheartening encounter, Weinstein arranged for Haley to work off-the-books on the reality show “Project Runway” and promised help in securing a visa for further employment opportunities. However, the nature of their interactions became increasingly troubling, particularly after she declined an invitation to join him on a trip to Paris.
Haley shared with the court that soon after refusing the invitation, Weinstein appeared unannounced at her East Village apartment, forcing his way inside. She managed to deter him by referencing his reputation, which temporarily caused him to retreat. This escalation underscored the troubling dynamics of their relationship that ultimately led to the alleged assault.
Weinstein, now 73, faces multiple charges, including first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape. These allegations not only arise from Haley’s testimony but also include accusations from aspiring actress Jessica Mann and Polish model Kaja Sokola, who have come forward with their own accounts of misconduct against Weinstein. He continues to deny all allegations.
This retrial follows a significant legal setback for Weinstein, as New York’s highest court overturned his 2020 conviction and the subsequent 23-year sentence in May 2024. The court found procedural errors in the trial, specifically concerning the presentation of evidence related to uncharged sexual offenses aimed at establishing a pattern of behavior.
Haley’s testimony is set to extend beyond this initial appearance, with additional details of her experiences anticipated in subsequent sessions. Regardless of the outcome in New York, Weinstein remains incarcerated after receiving a 16-year sentence for separate rape and sexual assault charges in Los Angeles in December 2022. The ongoing proceedings catalyze a continued national discourse on the issues of consent and accountability within Hollywood and beyond.
