Entertainment
Harvey Weinstein 2006 Sexual Assault Testimony: Key Witness Testifies
Harvey Weinstein 2006 sexual assault testimony took center stage at the former Hollywood producer’s retrial in New York City on Thursday. The former roommate of Miriam Haley, one of Weinstein’s accusers, took the stand to share her account.
Elizabeth Entin, who lived with Haley in an East Village apartment in 2006, testified that Haley confided in her during the summer of that year about a sexual assault she believed Weinstein had committed. Entin described Haley as “very unfocused” and “anxious,” recalling how she stood clumsily in the doorway before approaching her while she rested in bed.
“She appeared shaken,” Entin said to the court. She described her interaction with Haley by stating, “He had forcibly put his mouth on her vagina without her consent,” however she was unable to reveal all the specifics.
According to Entin, she suggested that Haley speak with an attorney and think about filing criminal charges against Weinstein. That sounds like rape, Miriam. At the time, she allegedly told her, “I think you should call a lawyer.”
However, Entin claims that Haley didn’t appear open to the idea and that the discussion “fizzled out” at some point. Haley appeared different after that day, according to Entin, who observed that she had “less zest or vitality.”
Entin previously revealed that while they were living together, Haley was working as a production assistant on “Project Runway” (Weinstein produced the fashion reality series), and the two frequently went to events associated with the show. Though Entin claimed she couldn’t recall the precise words, she recalled how she first met Weinstein at a gathering at Cipriani Downtown in SoHo, where he wrapped his arm around Haley’s waist and called her the “hottest” or “sexiest” woman he knew. Haley seemed “uncomfortable,” according to Entin, as she attempted to appease Weinstein.
Jennifer Bonjean, Weinstein’s lawyer, brought up Entin’s testimony from the 2020 trial during cross-examination. She then questioned Entin about her multiple podcast appearances and two books that were released during the initial 2020 New York trial, one of which discusses the earlier procedures involving Weinstein.
“You were given numerous chances to appear in the media?” Entin was asked by Bonjean.
When Bonjean questioned Entin about her press appearances and how she was “excited” to meet lawyer Gloria Allred, who represented Haley in Weinstein’s 2020 trial, tensions increased.
At one point, Entin said, “I am not happy about the fact that he raped my friend.”
“Rape has a different stigma in our society — and a different history,” Entin said in response to Bonjean’s question on why she suggested Haley call a lawyer instead of calling the police to report the alleged sexual assault. She also added that one must “take a lot more careful steps.”
In July 2006, Weinstein allegedly committed a first-degree criminal sexual act against Haley. He entered a not guilty plea to the accusation.
In his 2020 New York trial, Weinstein was convicted guilty of sexually abusing the former TV production assistant; however, that conviction was later overturned, as was the one involving actress Jessica Mann.
Christine Pressman, who had been Haley’s friend in 2006, testified following a lunch break about a conversation she and Haley had in East Hampton in August or September of that year. Pressman claims that Haley was “very animated” when she described the alleged sexual assault and confided in her about it.
In his response, Pressman recalls calling the scenario “absolutely disgusting and horrible,” yet he cautioned Haley from calling the police.
“Harvey Weinstein is the king of New York,” I declared. You are not as powerful as he is. Pressman started to choke and her voice cracked as she repeated, “Just let it go.”
Pressman said, “Yes,” when asked if she had ever proposed to Haley that she date Weinstein during the defense’s cross-examination. Pressman claimed she couldn’t remember the exact moment she made the suggestion when asked.
Later, Pressman was questioned by Bonjean, Weinstein’s lawyer, about whether Haley had disclosed to her that she was seeing Weinstein before the East Hampton trip. “Never,” Pressman replied simply.
Earlier Thursday, Getty Images’ senior director of editorial operations, Kate Englund, also gave testimony. Many of the photos that were posted to Getty were displayed to the jurors, including ones that showed Weinstein with famous people including Gwyneth Paltrow, Penelope Cruz, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, and the late Queen Elizabeth II. Also shown in the courtroom and accepted into evidence were pictures of Kaja Sokola, one of Weinstein’s accusers who was named during opening comments on Wednesday.