Key Points

Miriam Haley gave a harrowing testimony against Harvey Weinstein, breaking down while describing the alleged assault. The defense aggressively questioned her about her clothing and motives, leading to an emotional outburst. Haley directly confronted Weinstein in court, calling him an expletive. The former producer maintains his innocence against all charges.

Key Points: Harvey Weinstein Accuser Calls Him Asshole in Court Breakdown

  • Haley testified about 2006 assault at Weinstein's apartment
  • Defense questioned her motives and clothing details
  • She broke down recalling tampon removal
  • Weinstein denies all sexual assault charges
3 min read

Harvey Weinstein accuser breaks down in court during intense cross-examination

Miriam Haley tearfully recounts assault during Weinstein trial cross-examination, calling him a "f---ing asshole" in emotional testimony.

"It's my experience! F---ing asshole. – Miriam Haley"

Washington, May 4

Tensions reached a boiling point during Harvey Weinstein's ongoing sexual assault trial in New York City, as former TV production assistant Miriam Haley gave a tearful and emotional testimony, calling the former filmmaker a "f---ing asshole" during cross-examination.

According to Variety, the heated exchange took place on Friday morning, as Weinstein's defence attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, pressed Haley on her decision to accept an invitation to meet the ex-producer at his SoHo apartment on July 10, 2006.

Bonjean's line of questioning centred on Haley's prior encounter with Weinstein, when he had unexpectedly arrived at her East Village home after she declined his invitation to attend Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, a visit she later described as "bizarre."

Haley explained that she felt as though she might have "offended" Weinstein by turning down the fashion week offer, as per Variety.

When Weinstein later invited her to Los Angeles for the premiere of Clerks II, she said she felt obligated to at least "say hi" to him at his apartment. "I felt it would've been weird not to go," she told the court, as quoted by Variety.

Bonjean, attempting to discredit Haley's motives, asked, "You accepted a benefit, right?" referring to the flight and event invitation from Weinstein. Haley responded simply, "An invitation, yeah."

The questioning then turned to the details of what Haley was wearing during the meeting at Weinstein's apartment.

Despite Bonjean's persistent queries, Haley said she could not recall specifics about her outfit. Bonjean pressed further, asking, "Is it possible you were wearing jeans?" Haley replied that she did not remember Weinstein removing her jeans.

However, the situation turned grimly when Bonjean asked, "What do you remember him ripping off?"

Haley's answer was unequivocal: "My tampon," as quoted by Variety.

The courtroom grew tense as Haley's emotional response intensified. When questioned again about the specifics of the assault, Haley maintained that she did not remove her own clothes during the encounter.

Bonjean implied that it was up to the jury to determine the truth of this claim. At that point, Haley broke down in tears, her voice rising in frustration.

"It's my experience!" Haley exclaimed as she turned her gaze toward Weinstein, seated in the courtroom.

"F--ing asshole," she said, as quoted by Variety.

Weinstein, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, faces a first-degree criminal sexual act charge related to the July 2006 incident with Haley.

In addition to this charge, Weinstein is also facing charges of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape in connection with other alleged incidents. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is so heartbreaking to read. No woman should ever have to go through this kind of trauma. The defense lawyer's questioning seems so insensitive - asking about clothes and implying consent? Disgusting! Our society needs to do better in supporting survivors. 🙏
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Rahul S.
While what happened is terrible, I do wonder why she accepted invitations from him after the first "bizarre" encounter. In India, we teach our daughters to be cautious around powerful men. But of course, that doesn't excuse Weinstein's actions - he's clearly a predator.
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Ananya M.
This case reminds me of how Bollywood also has its share of predators who haven't been called out. Powerful men everywhere abuse their position. Kudos to Miriam Haley for speaking her truth despite the brutal cross-examination. Her courage gives hope to survivors everywhere. #MeToo
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Vikram J.
The defense lawyer's tactics are standard procedure, but they do seem heartless. In our courts, we see similar things happen - victims being questioned about their clothes or behavior. The system needs to change to prevent re-traumatizing survivors.
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Sunita R.
My heart goes out to Miriam Haley. No amount of "benefits" or "invitations" justify what was done to her. This case shows why we need more women in positions of power - maybe then victims wouldn't be treated this way in court. Stay strong sister! 💪
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Karan P.
This is why we need better sex education and consent awareness in India too. Many men don't understand boundaries. Weinstein thought his power and money gave him rights over women's bodies. Shameful! Hope he rots in jail.

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