On May 19, 2025, the retrial of Harvey Weinstein erupted with emotional and graphic testimony from Jessica Mann, a former actress turned cosmetologist. Her testimony revived painful details of a 2013 hotel room rape in New York City, painting a dark portrait of the disgraced movie mogul’s abuse of power.
Mann’s account shocked the courtroom. Not only did she recount the terrifying assault itself, but she also described discovering a used syringe labeled with a term that left the jury visibly disturbed: it allegedly meant “dead penis.” This unsettling phrase, she said, referred to a drug used to counteract erectile dysfunction — a chilling detail that added weight to her claim of non-consensual sex.
The Trial’s Focal Point: Harvey Weinstein and the 2013 Incident
Jessica Mann, now 39, first met Harvey Weinstein in 2012 or 2013 at a time when she was still chasing an acting career. Their relationship started professionally but quickly turned personal, she explained. Mann, under oath, said she initially consented to some interactions with Weinstein — but only under immense pressure.
Her tearful testimony on Monday focused on one specific encounter in a Manhattan hotel. Mann told the court that Weinstein blocked her from leaving the room and, after injecting himself with a drug to maintain an erection, raped her despite her protests. She revealed how, after the attack, she discovered a syringe in the trash labeled “prostaglandin,” often prescribed for severe erectile dysfunction. But what disturbed her most was what Weinstein allegedly told her the label implied: “dead penis.”
This disturbing detail immediately trended across social media, with many expressing horror at both the alleged act and the dismissive way it was described.
Harvey Weinstein: A Pattern of Coercion and Abuse
This isn’t the first time Mann has testified against Harvey Weinstein. Her initial 2020 testimony played a critical role in his 23-year conviction — which was later overturned on appeal due to procedural concerns. The new trial revisits five main charges, including rape and sexual assault in New York, while Weinstein remains incarcerated in California for other sex crimes.
Mann’s testimony underscores a pattern of Weinstein using his power to dominate, control, and silence. While she admitted to a complex relationship with him, she emphasized the imbalance — his influence over her career and his threats of retaliation if she spoke out.
Kaja Sokola Also Takes the Stand
Another major moment in the retrial came with the testimony of Kaja Sokola, a former model who alleges Weinstein assaulted her in 2006 when she was just 19. Sokola testified that Weinstein invited her to his SoHo apartment under the pretense of discussing film roles. Instead, she says, he manipulated her and forced himself on her.
The defense tried to discredit her by bringing up a journal from 2015 where she described being assaulted but didn’t name Weinstein. Sokola explained she couldn’t bring herself to name her abuser at that time, which is common among trauma survivors.
Defense Strategy: Consent or Coercion?
Harvey Weinstein’s defense team is leaning heavily on the argument that these interactions were consensual. They’ve introduced text messages, journal entries, and past interviews in an attempt to challenge the credibility of the women testifying against him. Their claim: these women pursued Weinstein for roles or other benefits and are only now redefining those relationships as abusive.
This strategy has drawn criticism online and in legal circles. Many believe the defense is taking the same old victim-blaming approach, failing to grasp how complex trauma affects memory, consent, and survivor behavior.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
As soon as Jessica Mann’s “dead penis” statement surfaced, it dominated headlines on FOX10, NY Post, and AP News. Her words weren’t just raw — they were powerful. The image painted by her testimony has reawakened the public outcry that originally gave birth to the #MeToo movement.
Weinstein’s retrial is now more than a courtroom drama. It is a test of whether our justice system can truly hold the powerful accountable. Survivors’ groups have rallied outside the courthouse every day of the trial, waving signs that say things like “Believe Survivors” and “Power ≠ Consent.”
Table: Timeline of Major Harvey Weinstein Legal Events
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | First Allegations Go Public | New York Times & The New Yorker publish explosive exposés. |
| 2020 | First Conviction | Convicted of rape and criminal sex act; sentenced to 23 years. |
| 2023 | California Conviction | Found guilty of assault in LA; sentenced to 16 years. |
| 2024 | NY Conviction Overturned | NY Court of Appeals rules prejudicial testimony affected verdict. |
| 2025 | Retrial Begins | Mann and Sokola among those testifying again in Manhattan. |
Why This Trial Still Matters
There’s more than just one man’s fate at stake. The retrial of Harvey Weinstein represents how society responds when women — years later — choose to break their silence. It examines how legal systems balance due process with the voices of those who say they were harmed.
Even though Weinstein has already been convicted in California and remains imprisoned, this New York case matters. A conviction here could reaffirm the original 2020 verdict’s moral authority — even if legally it was overturned.
And perhaps most importantly, it offers a measure of closure for the women who came forward. For Mann, Sokola, and others, this isn’t just a trial. It’s an act of reclaiming their truth, under oath, and under pressure.
Where Things Stand Now
As of May 20, 2025, the trial continues with closing arguments expected next week. The judge has already issued gag orders, limiting what both sides can say publicly. But in the court of public opinion, the testimony — especially from Jessica Mann — has left an indelible mark.
If convicted again, Weinstein could face a sentence that ensures he never walks free. If acquitted, it will likely ignite fierce public debate about the limits of justice in cases of historic abuse.
Call to Action
Stay engaged as this retrial unfolds. Support survivor-centered reporting. Follow verified sources, and take time to understand the legal intricacies. Justice for survivors like Jessica Mann depends not only on courts — but on public awareness.