Judge rejects mistrial request in Harvey Weinstein case after juror reports being bullied during deliberations.

In a significant development in the ongoing retrial of Harvey Weinstein, a Manhattan judge denied a motion for a mistrial on Friday. This ruling came in response to concerns raised by a juror who reported feeling bullied and harassed by fellow jurors during deliberations. The jury, currently deliberating in a highly publicized case, concluded Friday without reaching a verdict and is scheduled to reconvene in Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday.

Weinstein’s legal team argued that the treatment of the juror was sufficient grounds to halt the trial, which has already spanned six weeks. Nevertheless, Judge Curtis Farber encouraged the jury to continue their deliberations. Prior to a scheduled lunch break, a 25-year-old juror approached the judge with a request to be dismissed from the trial, citing feelings of unfairness and injustice within the jury process. The juror expressed concerns about being marginalized due to differing views from other panel members.

In a formal address to Judge Farber, the juror described his experience as being shunned and reported overhearing discussions about the case in the courthouse’s elevator and outside the courtroom. He characterized the tensions amongst jurors as resembling “playground stuff.” The defense team, represented by attorney Arthur Aidala, highlighted these issues in court, questioning whether instances of bullying or harassment had occurred during deliberations, which could compromise the integrity of the jury’s decision-making process.

Judge Farber, however, maintained that the described discussions did not rise to the level of judicial misconduct, suggesting they were typical of the intense dynamics present in jury deliberations. He remarked that the juror’s youth may have contributed to an increased discomfort with the debate.

The case against Weinstein includes serious allegations of sexual violence, including charges of raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013, as well as the assault of two other women in incidents occurring in 2002 and 2006. More than 80 women have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual assault or harassment during the past few years.

Weinstein, 73, faces significant prison time if convicted, with potential sentences of up to 25 years for two counts of criminal sexual acts and up to four years for one count of rape. His previous conviction related to related charges was overturned by a state appeals court in 2024, citing errors made by the trial judge during that proceeding. Currently, Weinstein is serving a 16-year sentence imposed after a California jury found him guilty of rape in December 2022.

Despite the weight of the allegations against him, Weinstein continues to deny all charges, asserting that any sexual encounters were consensual. In a recent interview, he expressed remorse for the impact of his actions on his family and friends, while maintaining his innocence regarding any criminal behavior.

The proceedings in this case remain closely monitored as they unfold, reflective of broader societal discussions surrounding accountability and justice in instances of sexual misconduct.