Judge Rejects Harvey Weinstein’s Request for New Trial in New York Sex Assault Case

A New York judge has denied Harvey Weinstein’s request for a new trial, keeping intact his 2025 conviction on a sexual assault charge.

Weinstein, 73, was found guilty in June 2025 of one count of a criminal sex act. The conviction stemmed from a 2006 incident in which prosecutors said he forced himself on former TV production assistant Miriam Haley. The verdict was part of a split decision by the jury.

After the trial, Weinstein asked for a new proceeding, claiming juror misconduct. His lawyers argued that jurors had shouted at and bullied one another during deliberations. But during a court appearance on Thursday, Jan. 8, a New York State Supreme Court judge rejected that claim.

In a written ruling, the judge said the court properly handled jurors’ concerns without interfering with the integrity of the jury. The judge wrote that the response struck the right balance between looking into the allegations and avoiding any unfair influence on the deliberations.

Weinstein, who has consistently denied committing sexual assault, spoke directly to the court. He admitted to personal failings but insisted he never assaulted anyone. “I know I was unfaithful. I know I acted wrongly. But I never assaulted anyone,” he said, asking the judge for another chance.

The retrial produced mixed results for the former Hollywood power broker. He was acquitted of a charge related to allegations by former model Kaja Sokola, who said Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her. However, the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on a third-degree rape charge involving actress Jessica Mann.

Weinstein had previously been convicted of raping Mann in 2020, but that conviction was later overturned on appeal, which led to the retrial.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. has said his office plans to try Weinstein again on the unresolved rape charge.

Following the judge’s decision, Weinstein’s defense attorney Arthur Aidala told the court that he intended to pursue plea negotiations. He later added that Weinstein needed time to think about whether to take that path.

Weinstein is currently being held at Rikers Island in New York City. In court, he described his time in custody as devastating, saying the experience had deeply affected his mental health. He told the judge that the isolation and length of his detention felt overwhelming.

While incarcerated, Weinstein underwent emergency heart surgery and has reportedly been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. One of his attorneys previously claimed that Weinstein was being badly mistreated in jail and warned that his health could continue to deteriorate if conditions did not improve.

Beyond the New York case, Weinstein is also facing significant prison time elsewhere. He is set to serve a separate 16-year sentence in California after being convicted of rape there in 2022.

With the judge’s latest ruling, Weinstein’s New York conviction stands, and prosecutors appear ready to continue pursuing the remaining charge against him.