A former model has recounted her traumatic experience of sexual assault by Harvey Weinstein, occurring when she was just 16 years old. During her emotional testimony on Thursday, Kaja Sokola described how Weinstein assaulted her in a Manhattan apartment back in 2002, asserting that it was the most “horrifying thing” she had ever experienced at that point in her life.
Sokola, who was an aspiring actress at that time, detailed the assault, indicating that Weinstein forcibly put his hand inside her underwear and compelled her to touch him. In a chilling moment, she described Weinstein’s “black and scary” eyes in the bathroom mirror during the incident. Following the assault, Weinstein allegedly pressured her to remain silent, claiming that he had the power to advance her career in Hollywood, citing successful actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow and Penélope Cruz.
Though Weinstein is not facing criminal charges in connection with the earlier incident due to a statute of limitations, this testimony is part of a retrial where he is accused of forcibly performing oral sex on Sokola when she was around 20. This incident occurred a few years after the initial assault, as Sokola was being considered for a role as an extra in the film “The Nanny Diaries.” She reported this allegation during Weinstein’s first trial in 2020 but was not included in that case.
Sokola’s background includes her journey from Poland into modeling, followed by a career as a psychotherapist and author, during which she recently launched a film production company. She highlights the shift in societal awareness regarding sexual misconduct, especially following the onset of the #MeToo movement, which amplifies the importance of her testimony.
Weinstein, who is now 73, has pleaded not guilty, asserting that any sexual encounters were consensual and that the accusers maintained contact with him post-allegations, a point emphasized by his defense team. However, the women involved, including Sokola, argue that Weinstein exploited the allure of Hollywood to manipulate and prey on them.
As this retrial unfolds, it marks a significant continuation of the dialogue surrounding accountability and justice for survivors of sexual misconduct. The prosecution revived their investigation into Sokola’s claims after New York’s highest court overturned Weinstein’s prior conviction, reflecting an ongoing commitment to addressing such serious allegations.
The transformative impact of the #MeToo movement continues to resonate strongly, as more survivors bravely share their experiences, encouraging a culture of support and accountability that seeks to dismantle the systemic issues within the entertainment industry and beyond.