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Harvey Weinstein's Retrial: Former Model Kaja Sokola Faces Doubts During Testimony

Defense intensifies questioning of Kaja Sokola as she testifies about alleged sexual assaults by Harvey Weinstein during her teens.

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  1. Ex-model testifies in Harvey Weinstein retrial about alleged sexual assault

    Weinstein’s lawyers sought to raise doubts about Sokola’s sexual assault allegations against him, noting that she did not mention a key claim for years, even in her own lawsuits.

    Ex-model testifies in Harvey Weinstein retrial about alleged sexual assault

    The GuardianThe Guardian·6d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  2. Defense questions ex-model who accuses Harvey Weinstein of sex assaults during her teens

    Weinstein is being retried because an appeals court overturned his landmark #MeToo 2020 conviction, saying the judge at the time allowed prejudicial testimony.

    Defense questions ex-model who accuses Harvey Weinstein of sex assaults during her teens

    Associated PressAssociated Press·6d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  1. ABC News
  2. The Guardian
  3. Associated Press
  4. NBC News
  5. Newsmax

Updated: May 9th, 2025, 3:29 PM ET

Summary

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In Harvey Weinstein's retrial, Kaja Sokola, a former model, testified tearfully about multiple assaults, claiming Weinstein manipulated her youth and aspirations. As she provided details of the assaults during her teenage years, defense attorney Mike Cibella challenged her account, pointing out inconsistencies and the absence of corroborating evidence. Sokola described horrifying experiences from when she was 16, stating that Weinstein exploited her career aspirations. The trial follows a previous appeals court decision that overturned Weinstein's 2020 conviction. This case includes a charge from 2006, prompting prosecutors to add Sokola's allegations to the current proceedings.


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  • Kaja Sokola, a former model, testified that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her at the age of 16, calling the encounter terrifying and shameful, and described feeling scared and vulnerable in his presence.

  • Despite Weinstein's denial of the allegations, he faces charges related to the incident, which were previously excluded from his first trial due to statute limitations, including a new accusation of forcibly performing oral sex on Sokola in 2006.

  • Sokola's testimony, rooted in her experience and subsequent lawsuit against Weinstein, contributes to ongoing discussions about the impact of the #MeToo movement, highlighting the personal trauma faced by survivors.


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