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Miriam Haley, a former Project Runway production assistant, abruptly left a New York courtroom on Friday (May 2) after a heated exchange with Harvey Weinstein's lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean. During her fourth day of testimony in Weinstein's sex crimes retrial, Haley, 48, broke down in tears as Bonjean questioned her about the night she alleges Weinstein assaulted her in July 2006.
"Don’t tell me I wasn’t raped by that f****** a******!" Haley yelled, before requesting a break.
Judge Curtis Farber granted a 10-minute recess, and Haley exited the courtroom.
Haley has accused Weinstein of forcibly performing oral sex on her at his SoHo apartment and later raping her at a Tribeca hotel. Weinstein, 73, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bonjean challenged Haley's account, questioning why she agreed to visit Weinstein's apartment despite his previous "bizarre" behavior. Haley explained she did not fear for her safety and thought it would be impolite to refuse.
This retrial follows the overturning of Weinstein's 2020 conviction. Haley is the first of three accusers expected to testify, including actress Jessica Mann and former model Kaja Sokola. Weinstein's lawyers argue that the encounters were consensual. Haley and her friends testified that she disclosed the assault shortly after it occurred.
The trial continues with further testimonies expected.