NEW YORK (AP) – The first accuser in Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial took the stand on Tuesday, revisiting her testimony from his earlier #MeToo trial five years ago. Miriam Haley, a former TV and movie production assistant, details her allegations that the former movie mogul forcibly performed oral sex on her at his New York City apartment in 2006.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who took over the case from his predecessor, observed Haley's testimony from the courtroom gallery. Her attorney, Gloria Allred, sat directly behind him as Haley recounted her challenging upbringing in Finland and Sweden. She shared her passionate interest in the performing arts which led her to become an assistant to Michael White, the late producer of "Rocky Horror Picture Show."
Haley is currently on the witness stand at the beginning of the second week of testimony in Weinstein’s retrial. Two of her friends had testified the previous week, claiming that she informed them about the alleged assault shortly after it occurred. Despite initially feeling hesitant to testify again following a New York appeals court decision that overturned Weinstein’s significant conviction last year, Haley proceeded with her testimony.
The state’s Court of Appeals had annulled Weinstein’s convictions along with his 23-year prison sentence, stating that the original trial had been marred by "egregious" judicial errors and incorrect testimony. During her courtroom appearance, Haley avoided eye contact with Weinstein as she entered but was instructed to identify him by the prosecutor when she took the stand. Weinstein, aged 73, sat in between his legal team, observing her closely during her identification.
As expected, Haley's testimony encountered strenuous scrutiny, and even before she could elaborate on her account, Weinstein's attorneys objected to questions regarding physical abuse she suffered as a child. Although she was permitted to respond, she momentarily faltered in her delivery before regaining her composure. In a notable shift from his first trial, where such objections were often overruled, Weinstein's defense team is aggressively challenging the relevance of testimony, believing it may confuse the jury.
Weinstein faces charges stemming from his original 2020 trial involving two women: one count of criminal sex act related to Haley's allegations and one count of third-degree rape related to accusations from Jessica Mann, an aspiring actor who he allegedly assaulted in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. Additionally, for the first time, he is also being tried based on allegations from Kaja Sokola, a former model whom he is accused of forcing oral sex on in a Manhattan hotel in 2006. Both Mann and Sokola are expected to provide testimony in the ongoing trial.
Weinstein has firmly pleaded not guilty to all charges, insisting he never raped or sexually assaulted anyone. During her previous testimony in the 2020 trial, Haley claimed that Weinstein had pushed her onto a bed at his Manhattan apartment in June 2006 and had forced oral sex on her despite her protests and pleas, stating, "No, please don’t do this, I don’t want it."
Two friends testified last Thursday about conversations they had with Haley shortly after the alleged attack. Elizabeth Entin, who lived with Haley, stated that Haley had confided in her, expressing distress over the incident and suggesting she contact a lawyer, which Haley appeared reluctant to do. A second friend, Christine Pressman, recalled advising a "distraught" Haley against going to the police when similar disclosures were made in August or September 2006.
Haley, who is also known as Mimi Haleyi, admitted in her earlier statements that she maintained contact with Weinstein, exchanged friendly messages with him, and even visited his hotel room two weeks after the alleged assault, where he reportedly attempted to engage her in sexual activities. Under New York law applicable at that time, however, he has not been charged with rape concerning Haley’s accusations.
