Jessica Mann recounts harrowing hotel assault during Weinstein retrial
Jessica Mann, a former actress, delivered emotional testimony describing how Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein allegedly raped her in a Midtown hotel room in 2013. Mann, now 38, broke down in tears while recounting the traumatic incident that occurred at the DoubleTree Hotel on March 18, 2013.
According to Mann’s testimony, Weinstein trapped her in the hotel room, injected himself with medication for erectile dysfunction, and proceeded to sexually assault her.
Who is Jessica Mann?
Born in October 1985, Mann pursued an acting career and appeared in several productions including “This Isn’t Funny” (2015), “Asylum: Twisted Horror and Fantasy Tales” (2020), and “Cavemen” (2013). She is the third and final accuser to provide testimony in Weinstein’s retrial, following former teen model Kaja Sokola and former production assistant Miriam ‘Mimi’ Haley.
“The moment where I just gave up”
“This is about the moment where I just gave up,” Mann testified, describing how Weinstein blocked the door and demanded she undress.
Mann told the jury that after the incident, she discovered a discarded needle in the trash with a label containing “necro-something.” She explained, “I found on Google that it basically meant ‘dead penis.’ I was freaked out. Did I get exposed to something? It was scary.”
Complex relationship dynamics
Despite the alleged assault, Mann acknowledged maintaining a relationship with Weinstein afterward. “I just decided to have a relationship with him. I’m sorry if that’s a bad decision. I just did. I also just wanted to buy time because I really didn’t know how to handle it,” she testified.
Mann characterized Weinstein as having dual personalities, describing him as “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” She stated, “Sometimes he validated me so much… but the word ‘No’ was like a trigger to him. This other personality, I called it ‘The Monster side’, would come out.”
Previous allegations and fear of speaking out
According to Mann’s testimony, the hotel incident wasn’t the first assault. She alleged that Weinstein had previously forced unwanted oral sex on her during their first private meeting in Los Angeles.
Mann explained that she remained silent about the alleged abuse due to Weinstein’s significant power and connections, including those with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. “I remember imagining if I ever said anything, he would call his friend and the Secret Service would come get me,” she testified.
If convicted on the most serious rape charge based on Mann’s account, Weinstein could face up to 25 years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
