Jessica Mann, the third accuser in the Harvey Weinstein retrial, took the stand on Monday to recount the disturbing dynamics of her relationship with Weinstein, which began consensually but devolved into harassment and trauma. Mann described Weinstein’s behavior as akin to “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” articulating how he oscillated between being supportive of her acting ambitions and becoming a “monster” when faced with rejection, particularly when she asserted her boundaries.
Mann met Weinstein in 2013 at a Hollywood party and later accompanied him to Book Soup, where he bought her materials related to the film industry. She testified that after a troubling encounter in his hotel room—where Weinstein performed unwanted oral sex—she felt compelled to enter a relationship with him as a coping mechanism. “I just thought it would take the pain away,” she reflected, suggesting that her decision was influenced by a desire for stability in a confusing situation.
The core of Mann’s testimony centered on the alleged rape incident in March 2013, which she claims occurred in a Manhattan hotel. She recounted arriving in New York with friends and being manipulated into meeting Weinstein in a hotel room where she felt trapped. “I didn’t want to go into a room with him,” Mann recalled, as she slowly fought back tears. She described a harrowing scene where Weinstein allegedly held her against her will and forced her into sex after injecting himself with what she discovered was medication for erectile dysfunction.
Mann is the last of the women to testify during the trial, which has also included testimonies from other women, such as Miriam Haley and Kaja Sokola, who have made similar allegations against Weinstein. These accounts, though not charged in the case, have been permitted as evidence to help the jury understand the context of Mann’s relationship with Weinstein.
Throughout her ordeal, Mann maintained contact with Weinstein, sending him flattering emails, which she explained were attempts to manage his volatile demeanor and maintain a semblance of peace. Despite receiving offers of help, including money during financial struggles, she staunchly rejected it, stating, “I never wanted his dirty money. I wasn’t for sale.”
The ongoing trial highlights the broader conversation about consent, boundaries, and the complexities of abusive relationships within the entertainment industry. Mann’s testimony underscores the struggles faced by many in similar situations, provoking both empathy and vital discussions about power dynamics. With her courage to share her story, there is hope that such testimonies will contribute to meaningful change and support for survivors.