CRIME & LAW

New York court dismisses Harvey Weinstein rape charge

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NEW YORK — Manhattan prosecutors on Thursday, June 25, 2026, formally moved to dismiss a third-degree rape charge against former film producer Harvey Weinstein after accuser Jessica Mann said she would not participate in another trial. Mann, a 40-year-old hairstylist and actor, told the court she could no longer endure testifying in what would have been a fourth proceeding related to her allegation. Judge Curtis Farber granted the prosecution’s request and dismissed the charge during a hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court, effectively closing one of the remaining unresolved strands of the high-profile New York MeToo-era prosecution of Weinstein. The now-dismissed charge stemmed from Mann’s claim that Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. She testified that she had a complex, on-and-off consensual relationship with Weinstein, who was married at the time, but said he forced himself on her during that encounter despite her repeated verbal refusals. Weinstein, 74, attended the hearing in a wheelchair and showed little visible reaction as the charge was dropped. He has denied Mann’s allegation and has consistently maintained that all sexual encounters between them were entirely consensual, even as the case moved through multiple trials and mistrials over several years.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2013 Mann alleges Manhattan hotel room rape
2020 Weinstein convicted of raping Mann
Apr 2024 Appeals court overturns New York conviction
Early 2025 Retrial yields partial mistrial
Early 2026 Third trial again ends mistrial
June 25, 2026 Prosecutors move to dismiss charge
June 25, 2026 Judge Farber grants formal dismissal

Why This Matters to You

This case highlights the complexities of the legal system in high-profile sexual assault cases. It's a reminder to stay informed about your rights and the resources available to you. If you or someone you know is a victim, consider reaching out to organizations like RAINN for support.

The Bottom Line

The Weinstein saga underscores the challenges in prosecuting sexual assault, especially with ongoing consent debates. It's a stark reminder that justice can be a long, winding road. Worth forwarding if you know someone navigating a similar path.