AN accuser of Harvey Weinstein has slammed the #MeToo movement as a caricature of itself as the convicted sex offender faces a third trial in an empty courtroom.

The scenes from the disgraced movie mogul’s retrial in Manhattan Supreme Court are notably different from the media circus that encompassed the Lower Manhattan courthouse during his high-profile trial in 2020.

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Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Supreme Court for the retrial of his rape case on May 5 Credit: AP

Actress Jessica Mann accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her at a home in Midtown Manhattan in March 2013 Credit: AP

Weinstein sitting near his defense team during his trial on April 29 Credit: Getty

Harvey Weinstein is on trial for a third time Credit: AP

Kaja Sokola, a former model who accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her several times in the early 2000s, believes the crimes the fallen movie mogul, 74, is facing should not be overlooked simply because of an apparent lack of interest.

“I think what’s more important is that we will keep these subjects in question. It should be talked about because of the case rather than because of the person,” Sokola told The U.S. Jattvibe in response to a recent photo from the courtroom where Weinstein is being tried.

“I think that right now, the #MeToo movement has changed a little bit.

“It’s changed from being – I don’t want to say a joke – but more of like a caricature of itself. And this is more saddening.

“I don’t care if Harvey himself will get publicity, or whatever his lawyers are trying to achieve, but I think it is important to talk about these cases and these subjects.

“I think people might be tired of hearing about his case, but they should not be tired of hearing about the victims of sexual assault.”

In February 2020, Weinstein’s trial was a massive media spectacle, drawing heavy protests, 24-hour news vans stationed near the courthouse, and reporters camping near the building to secure a seat in the main gallery.

The trial was widely viewed as a pivotal moment in the #MeToo movement, sparking worldwide awareness against sexual abuse toward women.

Even after a New York Court of Appeals overturned Weinstein’s 2020 conviction four years later, his retrial was still widely covered by various news outlets.

Harvey Weinstein’s retrial in April 2025 was widely covered by news outlets Credit: AFP

Weinstein’s initial 2020 trial drew large protests outside the Lower Manhattan courthouse Credit: Reuters

But when a jury failed to reach a verdict on one of three rape charges, a judge ordered a third trial.

However, this time around, no photographers waited in the courthouse hallways, there were few reporters or news cameras, and no lines formed to enter the 13th floor of Judge Curtis Faber’s courtroom.

Photos from inside the courtroom showed the public pews were relatively bare, with only a handful of reporters spread out.

The view starkly highlights the public’s loss of interest in the legal proceedings of the disgraced movie titan.

Sokola took the stand at Weinstein’s trial last year and painfully recounted how the Miramax co-founder allegedly raped her in 2002 when she had just arrived in New York City from Poland as a 16-year-old aspiring model.

The allegations by Sokola were one of three charges Weinstein faced at his 2025 trial.

A jury ultimately reached a split verdict, acquitting Weinstein of the sexual assault charges related to Sokola’s allegations, but convicting him of the crimes against another actress, Mimi Haley.

Judge Faber declared a mistrial on the third count related to the alleged assault against actress Jessica Mann, after the jury failed to reach a verdict.

As Weinstein’s third trial plays out in Lower Manhattan, Sokola said victims of sexual abuse should continue to come forward and speak with prosecutors.

“The empty room and the lack of interest as it was before should absolutely not discourage any victims that potentially want to talk to the prosecution,” Sokola told The U.S. Jattvibe.

Reporters and photographers crowded the courthouse hallways during Weinstein’s initial trial in February 2020 Credit: AFP

Kaja Sokola testified against Weinstein during his 2025 retrial, where she accused him of raping her several times during the early 2000s Credit: AFP

“It’s still a very important matter. And for me, personally, it doesn’t matter if it’s now or in five years or 10 years, I am very certain that I will still keep the subject very relevant.

“That was my goal from the beginning. I just want people who suffered to not feel like they have to keep it inside because nobody cares. We care, and we have to show that we care.”

Week two of Weinstein’s trial continued with testimony from casting director Marci Liroff, who said she felt pressured by the Miramax co-founder to audition Mann, 35.

Liroff testified that Mann’s audition at the time was a “waste of time.”

When asked by prosecutors why she auditioned Mann despite her not being fit for the role, Liroff said, “Because if I wanted to keep working in Hollywood, I would not say no to Harvey Weinstein, that would be stupid.”

Her testimony is crucial to the prosecution’s argument that Weinstein led Mann on and made her think he was interested in her acting career when, in fact, he was allegedly interested in sexual acts.

Mann accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan in March 2013.

She testified for a third time against Weinstein and, at times, broke down hysterically on the stand as she recounted how the then-300-pound defendant allegedly pinned her down on a bed before raping her.

“I said, ‘No,’ over and over, and I tried to leave,” Mann said through tears.

“He just treated me like he owned me,” she said.

Mann was on the stand for five grueling days.

Weinstein has denied the accusation by Mann, claiming the two had a consensual relationship that spanned years.

Despite the outcome of the trial, Weinstein will still have to serve a 16-year sentence in California after being convicted of rape in Los Angeles in December 2022.

He is also due to be sentenced for the sexual assault conviction involving Mimi Haley.