Judge Declares Mistrial in Third New York Case Against Harvey Weinstein

May 15, 2026, 21:36
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Introduction

A judge in Manhattan has declared a mistrial in the rape case against former film producer Harvey Weinstein because the jury could not agree on a final verdict.

Main Body

This trial was the third attempt by New York officials to convict Weinstein based on accusations from actor Jessica Mann, who testified that he forced her to have sex in a hotel in 2013. This situation was caused by a 2024 court decision that cancelled a 2020 conviction, as the original trial had allowed unfair evidence. Although a later retrial in 2025 led to a conviction for a different act involving Miriam Haley, the specific charge regarding Ms. Mann ended in a mistrial because the jury was divided. Different parties have expressed opposing views on the result. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office, led by Alvin Bragg, said they were disappointed but emphasized their commitment to supporting survivors. On the other hand, the defense lawyers argued that the jury's disagreement proves there is reasonable doubt. Furthermore, they asserted that the case is a waste of public money and claimed that public prejudice against Weinstein has affected the legal process. Despite these events, Weinstein remains in prison due to a 16-year sentence from a separate case in California. Additionally, his health has worsened significantly. He has been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer and has suffered from chest pain, which is why he had to use a wheelchair during the court hearings.

Conclusion

The rape charge in New York is still not resolved. A hearing is scheduled for June 24 to decide if the prosecution will start a fourth trial.

Learning

⚡ The Power of "Connecting Words"

To move from A2 (simple sentences) to B2 (fluid speech), you need to stop using and, but, and so for everything. Look at how this text organizes opposing ideas and adds information. This is the "glue" of upper-intermediate English.

↔️ Balancing Opposing Ideas

Instead of just saying "But," the text uses professional transitions to show contrast:

  • "On the other hand..." →\rightarrow Used when you have two different sides of a story. (Example: The city is beautiful; on the other hand, it is very expensive.)
  • "Despite [something]..." →\rightarrow This is a B2 powerhouse. It means "even though this happened, the result was different." (Example: Despite the rain, we went for a walk.)

➕ Adding Weight to Your Argument

When you want to give more information without sounding like a list, try these:

  • "Furthermore..." →\rightarrow A sophisticated way to say "also" or "in addition." Use this to make your point stronger. (Example: The car is fast; furthermore, it is electric.)
  • "Additionally..." →\rightarrow A clean way to add a new fact to the conversation.

🛠️ Practical Shift: A2 →\rightarrow B2

A2 Style: Weinstein is sick. He is in prison. The lawyers are happy. (Choppy, simple)

B2 Style: Weinstein remains in prison; additionally, his health has worsened. Despite this, the defense lawyers argue that the case is a waste of money. (Fluid, logical, and advanced)

Vocabulary Learning

mistrial (n.)
A trial that is declared invalid because of a procedural error.
Example:The judge declared a mistrial after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.
convict (v.)
To find someone guilty of a crime in a court.
Example:The jury was able to convict the defendant on all charges.
accusations (n.)
Claims that someone has done something wrong.
Example:The accusations against the actor were later proven false.
testimony (n.)
What a witness says in court.
Example:Her testimony was crucial to the outcome of the case.
unfair (adj.)
Not just or unbiased.
Example:The judge said the evidence presented was unfair.
retrial (n.)
A second trial after a previous one was invalid.
Example:The defendant was granted a retrial after the first was declared a mistrial.
opposing (adj.)
Being in conflict or contradictory.
Example:The parties had opposing views on the settlement.
reasonable doubt (n.)
The standard of proof required to convict.
Example:The defense argued that there was reasonable doubt.
prejudice (n.)
Preconceived opinion or bias.
Example:Public prejudice against the defendant may have influenced the jury.
diagnosis (n.)
The identification of a disease.
Example:The doctor gave a diagnosis of bone marrow cancer.
wheelchair (n.)
A chair with wheels used by people with mobility issues.
Example:He used a wheelchair to move around the courtroom.
prosecution (n.)
The act of prosecuting a case.
Example:The prosecution presented new evidence at the hearing.
resolved (adj.)
Having been settled or decided.
Example:The case was finally resolved after the fourth trial.
scheduled (adj.)
Set to happen at a particular time.
Example:The hearing is scheduled for June 24.