In a New York court, former model Kaja Sokola testified that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her when she was 16, describing it as the most horrific experience of her life. Sokola detailed how Weinstein allegedly put his hand inside her underwear and made her touch his genitals in 2002, telling her that actors needed to be comfortable disrobing in the film industry. She recounted feeling scared and intimidated by Weinstein’s actions, noting his intimidating demeanor and subsequent threats to keep quiet.

Sokola further testified that in 2006, Weinstein allegedly lured her into a hotel room and forcibly performed oral sex on her, despite her pleas for him to stop. This incident, not included in Weinstein’s original 2020 trial, forms a new accusation in his retrial. Weinstein’s defense questioned Sokola’s credibility, highlighting her delayed mention of key details and previous financial settlements related to lawsuits against him.

The trial also heard from another accuser, Miriam Haley, and is set to include testimony from Jessica Mann. Weinstein, facing charges of criminal sex acts and third-degree rape, maintains his innocence and denies all allegations of sexual assault. Currently serving a 16-year sentence for a 2022 sexual assault conviction in California, Weinstein’s defense has sought mistrials, citing health concerns, but these have been denied. The case continues as Weinstein faces the legal proceedings against him.