Miriam Haley, a key witness in Harvey Weinstein's retrial, broke down in tears as she described the alleged sexual assault by Weinstein nearly two decades ago. During intense cross-examination, Haley insisted that Weinstein raped her, despite his lawyer's assertion that the jury should decide. Haley testified that Weinstein forced oral sex on her after inviting her to his apartment under the pretense of a casual visit, despite his previous troubling behavior. She explained her subsequent interactions with Weinstein, including accepting a flight to Los Angeles and a later meeting at a hotel, as attempts to maintain professional ties and appease him. The retrial, prompted by an overturned conviction from 2020, will also include testimonies from other accusers, such as Jessica Mann and Kaja Sokola, who allege similar assaults by Weinstein.

Miriam Haley, also known as Mimi Haleyi, recounted on the witness stand how Harvey Weinstein allegedly forced oral sex on her during an encounter nearly two decades ago, leading to an emotional breakdown during cross-examination. She contested the defense lawyer's claim that the jury should decide on the matter, asserting her personal experience of violation.

Haley testified that the alleged assault occurred in July 2006 after Weinstein invited her to his apartment, where he ignored her pleas and forcibly performed oral sex on her. Despite Weinstein's previous 'bizarre' behavior, she accepted the invitation as she did not fear for her safety and often visited people’s homes.

During questioning, Weinstein's lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, challenged Haley's decisions to visit Weinstein's apartment and later travel to Los Angeles at his expense. Haley explained that she wanted to remain in Weinstein's favor for potential job opportunities in show business, despite having no romantic interests in him.

Haley detailed other encounters with Weinstein, including a meeting at a Manhattan hotel weeks after the alleged assault, where she expected a public conversation but ended up in his room, leading to unwanted sexual contact that was not physically forced.

The retrial is the result of an appeals court overturning Weinstein's previous conviction and involves charges related to Haley and other accusers like Jessica Mann and Kaja Sokola. The Associated Press has named these accusers as they have given permission to be publicly identified.

Weinstein's defense focused on questioning the credibility of Haley's actions and decisions post-assault, suggesting she had motives to maintain a relationship with Weinstein for professional benefits. Haley countered that her actions were efforts to navigate complex power dynamics in the entertainment industry.

Judge Curtis Farber intervened during the trial to pause proceedings when Haley's emotional state became overwhelming, highlighting the intense nature of the retrial process and the emotional toll on the witnesses involved.