Miriam Haley, a former television production assistant, testified for the second time in Harvey Weinstein's retrial in Manhattan, recounting how he sexually assaulted her nearly 20 years ago. She initially met Weinstein at a film premiere in London in 2004 and later reconnected with him at the Cannes Film Festival while seeking job opportunities. Despite Weinstein's known reputation, Haley worked briefly on 'Project Runway' produced by his company, during which time he continued to make unwanted advances. Haley detailed how Weinstein coerced her into his apartment in 2006, where he assaulted her, a testimony that aligns with the ongoing legal battle following his 2020 conviction that was overturned. The trial also includes charges against Weinstein by other women, with prosecutors arguing he leveraged his power in Hollywood to exploit them sexually, while his defense claims the encounters were consensual.

Miriam Haley's testimony at Harvey Weinstein's retrial was highly anticipated, as she recounted her experience of being overpowered and sexually assaulted by Weinstein in his apartment, an incident that allegedly occurred nearly two decades ago.

Haley first met Weinstein in 2004 at a London film premiere and later sought job opportunities with him at the Cannes Film Festival, which led to her brief stint on 'Project Runway,' a show produced by Weinstein's company.

Throughout the summer of 2006, Weinstein allegedly attempted to escalate his relationship with Haley, including an aggressive encounter at her apartment where he demanded she travel to Paris with him, which she refused.

Haley described an incident where Weinstein invited her to his Manhattan apartment under the pretense of a work-related meeting, only to forcibly assault her by removing her tampon and performing oral sex without her consent.

Weinstein's retrial follows his 2020 conviction on charges of rape and criminal sexual acts, though this conviction was overturned, leading to new charges being added by prosecutors who argue he used his Hollywood influence to exploit women.

Defense lawyers argue that Weinstein's interactions with Haley and other alleged victims were consensual, suggesting that these women engaged with Weinstein to gain access to the entertainment industry.

The trial also includes charges against Weinstein from other women, such as Jessica Mann and Kaja Sokola, with prosecutors highlighting a pattern of Weinstein using the promise of career advancement as leverage for sexual misconduct.