Emotions overtook the courtroom as a key witness returned to the stand, recounting allegations against Harvey Weinstein that have been at the center of years of legal battles.
According to the New York Post, Jessica Mann testified Tuesday in Manhattan, describing what she said were multiple encounters with the former Hollywood producer that escalated into violence.
Speaking through tears, she told jurors about an alleged assault at a Midtown hotel in March 2013.
“I said, ‘No’ over and over, and I tried to leave,” Mann said, breaking down as she described the incident. She then demonstrated how she said Weinstein restrained her. “He just treated me like he owned me.”
Mann said the alleged attack left a lasting impact, and she told the court that another incident later that year was even more distressing. She testified that she lost consciousness during that encounter.
The testimony marked another chapter in a case that has already gone through multiple trials. Weinstein was previously convicted in 2020 in connection with Mann’s allegations, but that verdict was later overturned, leading to a retrial that ended in a hung jury.
On Tuesday, Mann detailed how her relationship with Weinstein began after they met while she was pursuing an acting career. She said their interactions quickly shifted from professional to personal, with Weinstein allegedly using his influence to pressure her.
She also described an earlier incident in 2013 at a Beverly Hills hotel, where she said Weinstein attempted to push her into a sexual situation involving another actress, Emanuela Postacchini. Mann told jurors she fled to a bathroom, overwhelmed.
The actress said she later entered into a consensual relationship with Weinstein, explaining that she believed it might evolve into something more meaningful. At the same time, she described feeling intimidated by his status in the entertainment industry.
“Harvey told me a lot of stories about just how powerful he was and the things he did,” she testified. “Essentially, his friends go very far and his enemies don’t step foot in this town.”
Mann also spoke about Weinstein’s habit of referencing high-profile figures, including Bill Clinton, which she said contributed to her sense of unease.
“He just always name-dropped everybody all the time,” she said. “It was just the part of the reality of who he is. He is not a normal person. I was not in a relationship with a normal person.”
Despite her allegations, Mann acknowledged complicated feelings about Weinstein.
“There are things about Harvey that I really like,” she said, as Weinstein looked toward the jury.
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty and continues to fight the charges. He has already been convicted in a separate California case and is serving a prison sentence.
Mann is expected to return to the witness stand as proceedings continue.
