New York—Miriam Haley, a former production assistant for “Project Runway,” faced intense scrutiny in a New York courtroom as she testified about her allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. On Friday, during her fourth day on the stand, Haley experienced a raw moment of emotion, breaking down as she recounted the incidents she asserts involved sexual violence by Weinstein.
Haley, 48, was deeply affected as defense attorney Jennifer Bonjean questioned her about her attire on the night in question—July 2006—when she claims Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex at his SoHo residence. This line of questioning appeared to ignite a wave of distress as Haley contended with her memories of the alleged assault. “He took my clothes off … I didn’t take my clothes off,” she asserted, emphasizing her perspective on the events. The defense’s inquiry drew a fierce response from Haley, who exclaimed, “Don’t tell me I wasn’t raped by that f—–g a––hole!”
After that outburst, the presiding Judge Curtis Farber granted a brief recess, allowing Haley the space to collect herself while jurors stepped out for a ten-minute break. Though she returned to the stand later without tears, the discussion quickly reverted to her clothing and the circumstances surrounding its removal. “I did not remove my clothes,” she reiterated, explaining the physical realities of the situation, including her menstrual cycle at the time.
Haley had previously testified in 2020 during Weinstein’s initial trial, which culminated in a conviction that was later overturned. Earlier this week, she described the traumatic experience in vivid detail, recounting moments that have haunted her. She recalled, “He put his mouth on my vagina before and after he pulled out the tampon, he put his mouth on my vagina forcefully. I was mortified, I was embarrassed, in disbelief.”
Weinstein, now 73, faces multiple charges in the current trial, including one count of engaging in a criminal sex act pertaining to Haley’s assertions. He has pleaded not guilty and continues to contest the allegations. He is also charged with third-degree rape concerning actress Jessica Mann, who is expected to provide testimony regarding her own experiences with Weinstein in 2013. Additionally, the case includes charges related to the alleged assault of former model Kaja Sokola in 2006.
During opening statements, Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey suggested that Weinstein’s manipulation of Hollywood’s power dynamics played a significant role in the alleged crimes. “He knew how addictive Hollywood dreams were,” Lucey noted, claiming that Weinstein exploited the aspirations of young women to engage in predatory behavior.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Weinstein maintains his innocence, with his lawyers asserting the nature of the relationships with the accusers was consensual and transactional. The trial continues to draw significant public and media attention, highlighted by the emotional testimony delivered by those bringing forth their accounts of trauma. As the proceedings move forward, more witnesses are anticipated to share their stories, further contributing to the unfolding narrative surrounding one of Hollywood’s most high-profile figures.