When Harvey Weinstein’s big 2020 #MeToo conviction got thrown out, accuser Miriam Haley was like, “I really don’t want to do that again.” But fast forward to Tuesday, and Haley ended up being the first of Weinstein’s accusers to testify in the retrial. Weinstein, who’s 73, is all, “I didn’t do any of that stuff,” as Haley took the stand. She didn’t even look at him as she walked past, and he just stared at her like, “What’s up?”
Haley spilled the beans about how when she met Weinstein at Cannes in 2006, she was just trying to get a job. But Weinstein had to go and start talking about her legs, asking for a massage, and then demanding one when she said no. Smooth move, buddy.
The prosecutor was all, “Did you have any romantic or sexual interest in Weinstein?” And Haley was like, “Um, nope. Just wanted a job.” She left the Cannes meeting feeling like crap, but still took a job on “Project Runway” that Weinstein hooked her up with.
After the job ended, Weinstein was all, “Great job, wanna meet up?” They chatted about work, and he was actually nice and professional. No funny business, just business.
Weinstein then invited her to Paris fashion shows, but Haley wasn’t feeling it. She politely declined, but Weinstein didn’t get the hint. He kept pushing until Haley finally had to be like, “Dude, your reputation precedes you.”
Weinstein got all offended but eventually backed off. Haley avoided the Paris trip and thought that was the end of it. Little did she know what was coming almost 20 years later.
Fast forward to now, and Weinstein is on trial again because the first one was a mess. Haley and another accuser, Jessica Mann, are back on the stand. Mann claims Weinstein raped her in 2013, and another accuser, Kaja Sokola, says he forced oral sex on her in 2006.
Weinstein’s lawyers are trying to argue that all three accusers were cool with what went down, hoping it would help their careers. The trial continues with more accusers set to testify.
Haley, Mann, and Sokola are using their names in the case, which is a big deal. The retrial is happening because the first one had some serious issues, so they’re giving it another go.
Weinstein’s got a lot to answer for, and the women he hurt are finally getting their chance to speak out. The #MeToo movement is all about holding guys like him accountable.
Haley, Mann, and Sokola are just some of the women who are standing up to Weinstein. It’s about time he faces the music for what he’s done.
The trial is far from over, and there’s still a lot to uncover. But one thing’s for sure: Weinstein’s days of getting away with this kind of behavior are numbered.
