Miriam Haley, the first accuser to testify against Harvey Weinstein at his Manhattan retrial, endured an intense cross-examination while defending her allegations of sexual assault. Describing an incident from 2006, Haley recounted being assaulted by Weinstein in his SoHo apartment, a claim she has consistently maintained despite efforts by Weinstein's lawyer to undermine her account. The retrial was ordered after Weinstein's 2020 conviction was overturned due to procedural issues, though he remains convicted of similar crimes in California. Weinstein's defense argues that his interactions with women were consensual, leveraging his influential role in Hollywood, while prosecutors maintain he exploited his power to sexually assault multiple women. Throughout the proceedings, Haley faced aggressive questioning about her continued communication with Weinstein and the financial settlement she received from his company's bankruptcy fund.

Miriam Haley testified against Harvey Weinstein, alleging he sexually assaulted her in 2006, which led to an emotional and confrontational cross-examination where she defended her claims amid interruptions and tears.

The retrial in Manhattan was mandated after Weinstein's previous conviction was overturned by New York's highest court, which found procedural errors in allowing certain witness testimonies not directly tied to the charges.

Weinstein's defense team, led by attorney Jennifer Bonjean, questioned Haley's recollections and suggested her ongoing interactions with Weinstein were consensual, highlighting benefits she received from him, such as career opportunities.

Prosecutors assert that Weinstein leveraged his substantial influence in the film industry to manipulate and assault women, using his power as a weapon to fulfill his desires, a narrative supported by the testimonies of multiple accusers.

Haley explained her reluctance to report the assault to authorities initially, citing Weinstein's power and her precarious immigration status, while also addressing the financial settlement she received from his company's bankruptcy proceedings.

The courtroom exchanges were marked by emotional outbursts, leading the judge to call for breaks to restore order, and highlighting the intense nature of the retrial proceedings.

Weinstein, who has been a central figure in the #MeToo movement, maintains his innocence, with his defense arguing that his encounters with women were consensual and mutually beneficial, despite the prosecutors' claims of abuse of power.