Harvey Weinstein Breaks Silence in Rare Interview Amid Ongoing Rape Retrial

As his high-stakes retrial on rape and sexual assault charges continues in New York, Harvey Weinstein has spoken publicly for the first time in nearly a decade.

The disgraced former Hollywood mogul gave a rare on-camera interview to far-right commentator Candace Owens, released on May 20, coinciding with pivotal testimony in his ongoing criminal case.

In the interview, Weinstein, 72, reiterated his claim of innocence, describing himself as “wrongfully accused” and asserting that the original 2020 conviction—overturned last month by a New York appeals court—was a miscarriage of justice.

“I believe women should be heard,” he said. “But I’m wrongfully convicted… I am here for fairness and the truth.”

Weinstein, who once commanded enormous power in the entertainment industry, now faces fresh scrutiny as he stands trial once again on multiple charges, including:

• Rape of former actress Jessica Mann in 2013
• Criminal sexual act involving former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006
• A similar 2006 accusation from former model Kaja Sokola

Legal observers have noted the unusual nature of a defendant giving a public interview mid-trial, raising questions about its impact on jury perception and the legal process.

Weinstein Denies Crimes, Admits “Terrible Mistakes”

During the interview, Weinstein admitted to infidelity and being a “demanding” boss, but flatly denied any criminal wrongdoing.

“I did not commit these crimes,” he declared. “I swear that before God, the people watching now, and on my family.”

He also addressed the backlash from former allies in Hollywood, claiming that fear of “cancel culture” silenced potential supporters.

“They are frightened to death… I tried to get my people to stand up and even testify in the trial. And nothing.”

Responds to Gwyneth Paltrow Allegation

Weinstein dismissed actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s earlier claim that he made unwanted advances early in her career, calling her account a “complete fabrication”—though he acknowledged asking her for a massage at the end of a business meeting.

“We had a glass of Champagne. As I was walking out the door, I said, ‘I’d love you to give me a massage’,” he recalled.

Positioning himself as a casualty of the #MeToo movement, Weinstein claimed he had been specifically targeted for public takedown.

“They wanted me—and they wanted me in jail forever,” he said, directing sharp criticism at The New York Times and downplaying the significance of the 2022 film She Said, which chronicled the early investigations into his abuse allegations.

Weinstein’s decision to sit down with Candace Owens, a political figure known for her polarizing views and criticisms of the #MeToo movement, drew immediate attention. Owens, who has faced accusations of antisemitism, has also been a vocal supporter of controversial public figures, including Joe Rogan—whom Weinstein praised during the interview.

Weinstein’s spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, defended the interview, calling Owens’ questions an example of “objectivity that has been sorely missing” from media coverage.

The prosecution in Weinstein’s retrial is expected to rest its case by May 28, marking a key moment in the proceedings. The retrial follows the overturning of Weinstein’s 2020 conviction, which sentenced him to 23 years in prison. He continues to serve a separate 16-year sentence in California on unrelated charges.

Weinstein closed the interview by reflecting on his personal failings:

“I hurt my family. I hurt my friends. I cheated on my wife. And that was a mistake, a terrible mistake. But I did not commit these crimes.”