A New York judge has declared a mistrial in a significant rape case against former film producer Harvey Weinstein after the jury announced it was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This marks the third occasion a New York jury has deliberated on charges involving the 74-year-old mogul, who is currently incarcerated on other convictions. The month-long proceedings centered on allegations from aspiring actress Jessica Mann, who claimed Weinstein raped her over a decade ago.

Weinstein was previously convicted in a separate New York trial, but that verdict was later overturned on appeal, leading to a new indictment and subsequent retrials. A prior retrial last year also concluded with a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury. Following the latest declaration, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed disappointment but respected the jury system, stating his office would consult with Ms. Mann to determine their next steps, considering Weinstein’s pending sentencing in a separate sexual assault matter.

Weinstein’s legal team contended that the outcome reflected deeply embedded public perception and prejudice, arguing that for some, a “not guilty” verdict has become emotionally or socially impossible. They urged the District Attorney’s office to cease retrying the same case and instead focus on other public safety issues. The jury, predominantly male, reached its decision on the third day of deliberations, informing Judge Curtis Farber that they were “hopelessly deadlocked” and unable to achieve unanimity.

Jessica Mann, who has testified in three trials regarding her experience, affirmed that the mistrial does not diminish the truth of her account, emphasizing her pursuit of justice. Weinstein has faced accusations of sexual misconduct, assault, and rape from over 100 women since October 2017, consistently denying wrongdoing. While not all allegations resulted in criminal charges, his conviction in California means he is likely to remain in prison. The initial wave of accusations against him and his subsequent New York conviction were pivotal in galvanizing the #MeToo movement against abuse by powerful figures. The former co-founder of Miramax, known for acclaimed films like “Shakespeare in Love” and “Pulp Fiction,” has also faced declining health, including a recent bone marrow cancer diagnosis.