In the Harvey Weinstein sex crimes case, the judge declared a mistrial on the remaining rape charge after the jury foreperson stated he would not continue deliberating. This decision came after a partial verdict was delivered, with Weinstein being convicted of one charge and acquitted of another, both related to accusations of forcing oral sex on women in 2006. The foreperson expressed feeling bullied by another juror and refused to return to the jury room, leaving the third charge, a rape accusation from 2013, unresolved.

The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, unanimously reached the first two decisions last Friday. The foreperson revealed this information to the judge, who inquired about any agreements on the charges. However, they were unable to come to a decision on the third charge, which carries a lesser penalty under New York law.

Throughout the trial, Weinstein denied all charges and raised concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. He expressed his objections to the judge, stating that continuing the trial under such circumstances was unjust and put him at risk.

Jury-room tensions became public when a juror requested to be excused due to perceived unfair treatment of another juror. Subsequently, the foreperson reported instances of jurors pressuring others to change their minds and discussing information beyond the charges. The foreperson also expressed fear and discomfort due to another juror's behavior.

Following the partial verdict, the judge allowed the foreperson to voice his concerns in court and assured him that he would not be compelled to return to the jury room if he did not wish to. Jessica Mann, the third accuser who testified against Weinstein, is still awaiting a resolution. She emphasized the complexities of rape in relationships characterized by power dynamics and manipulation.

Weinstein, who was also convicted of raping another woman in California, is currently appealing that conviction.

Source: The Guardian