Weinstein accuser Miriam Haley testifies about alleged 2006 sexual assault
April 30 (UPI) -- In tearful testimony Wednesday, Harvey Weinstein accuser Miriam Haley described what she said was a 2006 sexual assault at his SoHo apartment in New York City.
Haley was a TV production assistant working for Weinstein's company when he invited to the "Clerks II" premiere in Los Angeles, she said. Weinstein asked her to stop by his apartment in New York just after inviting her to the premiere.
She alleged from the witness stand that, while seated on a sofa, Weinstein suddenly lunged at her trying to kiss her and "smothering me with advances."
She testified, "I realized that I'm getting raped."
She said after he pushed her into a bedroom and onto a bed that he would get more violent as he kept pushing her back down when she tried to get up.
"I decided the smartest thing to do -- safest, rather -- is to check out, endure it and have it over with and leave," she testified.
She testified she told Weinstein she was on her period and wearing a tampon, but he "yanked it out" and forcibly put his mouth on her vagina, according to Haley.
Weinstein was convicted of sexual crimes in 2020, but New York's highest court overturned the conviction and ordered a new trial.
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty at the New York re-trial. He is charged with a first degree sexual act against Haley.
He also was convicted and sentenced to more than 16 years in prison on three counts of rape and sexual assault in California.
Weinstein defense attorney Arthur Aidala characterized Weinstein's relationship with his accusers, including Haley, as a "friends with benefits" situation.
Haley's testimony is expected to take days, including cross-examination from Weinstein's defense team.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Washington state manhunt for suspected child killer expands with National Guard
June 7 (UPI) -- National Guard assets are being deployed in Washington state to expand the search for a man accused of killing his three young daughters, Gov. Bob Ferguson, D-Wash., confirmed Saturday. "I am tapping emergency funds and ordering Washington National Guard resources to support the search for Travis Decker, who is suspected of killing his three daughters. At the request of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, we will be providing helicopter transportation for law enforcement as they search in remote areas," Ferguson wrote on X. Authorities consider Decker a "significant risk" after his daughters aged 9, 8 and 5 were found dead at a campground about 130 miles east of Seattle Monday. "As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's mom, Whitney, and all those who love them. The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state. I'm committed to supporting law enforcement as they seek justice for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia," Ferguson wrote on X. "I want to remind Washingtonians to be aware of safety directives from law enforcement as the search continues. If you live in the area, keep your doors and windows locked. Avoid closed areas, which currently include the Enchantments and the Icicle River area. If you see Travis Decker, do not approach -- call 911. Anyone with information should contact [the] Chelan County Sheriff's Office." Federal, state and local officials have been searching for the military veteran in Eastern Washington since the children were discovered. Their mother first reported them missing after they failed to return from a scheduled court-ordered visit on Monday. Officials believe Decker, who is homeless and has extensive military training, could now be on or near the extensive Pacific Crest Trail. The 2,650-mile route stretches along the Pacific Coast from Canada to Mexico, passing through Washington state and Oregon. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Decker's capture. He is described as 5-foot-8 with black hair and brown eyes. "Dozens more law enforcement professionals, both tactical and administrative, have converged on Chelan County and joined the investigation and the search for Travis Decker. Despite the many challenges faced and the complex on-going murder investigation, morale and effort remains extremely high within staff at the Command Post," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison posted on the agency's Facebook page. "The investigation and operations continue as new surveillance video, photos, and tips from the public are continuously surfacing which aids in decision making. Out of an abundance of caution, we have been given notice to, and are working in conjunction with our surrounding counties in the event Mr. Decker moves through the forest into their jurisdiction. Additionally, the more agencies we can get involved, and the more the public remains vigilant, the better opportunity for success in the capture of Mr. Decker."
UPI
6 hours ago
- UPI
Ailing Rod Stewart cancels upcoming concerts
Rod Stewart arrives for the American Music Awards at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26. Photo by James Atoa/UPI | License Photo June 7 (UPI) -- British rock 'n' roll icon Rod Stewart has canceled six of his upcoming concerts while he recovers from the flu. "So sorry my friends," the "Maggie May" and "Forever Young" singer, 80, wrote on Instagram Saturday. "I'm devastated and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to my fans. I'll be back on stage and will see you soon." Stewart was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement honor at the American Music Awards show and is expected to perform in the "Legend" slot at the Glastonbury Music Festival later this month. Rod Stewart turns 80: a look back Musician Rod Stewart arrives for the premiere of "Titanic" in Los Angeles on December 14, 1997. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
UPI
6 hours ago
- UPI
Dozens arrested in ICE raids leading to LA protests
June 7 (UPI) -- Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents used riot gear as they clashed with protestors during a series of raids in Los Angeles where they ended up detaining more than 40 people. Separate raids by ICE agents earlier this week at a Home Depot and two separate clothing outlet stores drew crowds of protestors on Friday. In some instances, the federal agents carried shields, military-style rifles and shotguns while conducting the raids. Federal agents were executing a lawful judicial warrant at a LA worksite this morning when David Huerta deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle. He was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will face arraignment in federal court on Monday. Let... U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) June 7, 2025 The department later confirmed it was executing four federal search warrants at the three locations. "Approximately 44 people were administratively arrested and one arrest for obstruction," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told KTLA TV. "The investigation remains ongoing, updates will follow as appropriate." Service Employees International Union leader David Huerta was among those detained. The SEIU local president was charged with obstruction of justice. "Federal agents were executing a lawful judicial warrant at a LA worksite this morning when David Huerta deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle. He was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will face arraignment in federal court on Monday," U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli wrote on X. "Let me be clear: I don't care who you are -- if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted. No one has the right to assault, obstruct, or interfere with federal authorities carrying out their duties," he wrote. People can be heard on video yelling at the crowds in Spanish, and telling them not to sign paperwork or speak to federal officials. By Friday evening, the Los Angeles Police Department declared unlawful assembly near the Civic Center in the northern part of the city's downtown core, issuing a city-wide alert that forced all officers to remain on-duty. LAPD officers were later forced to use tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds in the city. At one point, protesters were reportedly throwing large pieces of concrete during the unrest The alert was cancelled around midnight Friday. "As mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X. "These tactics sew terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. My office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this."
