In New York, a significant trial is unfolding as a woman named Miriam Haley, who alleges that former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein forced oral sex on her almost two decades ago, took the witness stand. The emotional testimony on Friday marked her fourth day of providing evidence at Weinstein's #MeToo retrial. During her testimony, Haley broke down in tears when questioned by Weinstein's lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, raising her voice and expressing intense feelings about her experience of the alleged assault.
Haley firmly maintained her stance, stating, "He was the one who raped me, not the other way around." In response to Bonjean's assertion that it was up to the jury to make that determination, Haley emphatically retorted, "No, it’s not for the jury to decide. It’s my experience. And he did that to me." This exchange forced Judge Curtis Farber to pause the questioning and send the jurors out for a short break as Haley, visibly emotional, exited the courtroom without looking at Weinstein.
The ongoing trial is a retrial following the overturning of Weinstein's 2020 conviction by an appeals court. Haley, known by the name Mimi Haleyi, is the first of three accusers to testify. She alleges that Weinstein assaulted her in July 2006 after inviting her to his apartment under the pretense of saying hello. Haley described the incident, saying Weinstein physically overpowered her despite her pleas of refusal, pushing her onto a bed and ignoring her protests.
Haley recounted earlier instances where she had confided in friends about the assault shortly after it occurred. She emphasized that her intention behind meeting Weinstein was never romantic or sexual; instead, she sought his support for career opportunities in the entertainment industry. Despite previous unsettling encounters with Weinstein, including an uninvited visit to her home, Haley testified that she felt comfortable accepting his invitation to stop by his apartment at that time.
During the testimony, Bonjean meticulously questioned Haley regarding her clothing and the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. Haley affirmed that she did not undress willingly and insisted that Weinstein removed her clothing, including a tampon, before he forced oral sex upon her. The emotional intensity of the situation escalated as Haley insisted, "I didn’t take my clothing off," reinforcing that Weinstein was responsible for the assault. Bonjean objected to such claims, suggesting that it was ultimately the jury's responsibility to determine the fact of assault.
Confronted with Bonjean's questioning regarding her choice to accept a flight to Los Angeles paid for by Weinstein, Haley clarified her motivations. She stated that her decision was partly to mend her relationship with Weinstein after declining an earlier invitation to Paris and that she viewed the Los Angeles trip as an opportunity to travel alone while also visiting friends.
Furthermore, Haley revealed that she and Weinstein met again a few weeks after the alleged assault, this time at a Manhattan hotel where she experienced unwanted sexual advances, though she asserted that there was no forced interaction during this encounter. Weinstein's retrial involves charges related to both Haley's allegations and other claims from accused victims Jessica Mann and Kaja Sokola, who have also agreed to testify. In total, the proceedings are centered on serious allegations of sexual misconduct against Weinstein, revolving around significant testimonies and personal accounts from the involved individuals.
The Associated Press typically opts not to disclose names of alleged sexual assault victims unless express permission is granted. However, all three women—Haley, Mann, and Sokola—have chosen to make their identities public as they seek accountability in this high-profile case.
