Harvey Weinstein Accuser’s Former Roommate Testifies About Alleged 2006 Sexual Assault

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On Thursday, a previous roommate of Miriam Haley – one of Harvey Weinstein‘s alleged victims – testified during his re-trial in New York City.

In 2006, Elizabeth Entin, a roommate of Haley’s in the East Village, reminisced about the summer when Haley shared with her a distressing account of being allegedly sexually assaulted by Weinstein. Entin remembered Haley as looking distraught and uneasy, standing hesitantly in the doorway while Entin was resting in bed. Eventually, Haley approached her.

Entin testified that she appeared distressed, and while she couldn’t reveal the exact contents of her discussion with Haley, she essentially stated that he had non-consensually kissed her in an intimate area.”

This version maintains the original meaning but uses simpler language and a more straightforward structure to make it easier for readers to understand.

In simpler terms, Entin is reported to have suggested to Haley that she reach out to a legal professional and ponder over filing criminal accusations against Weinstein. It’s claimed that she expressed her belief that what happened could be classified as rape, and advised her to make the call at that moment in time.

According to Entin, Haley appeared uninterested in the proposal, and the discussion eventually came to an end. Entin commented that after this incident, Haley seemed changed – her enthusiasm or liveliness seemed diminished.

Previously, it was mentioned that Haley and Entin cohabited while both were involved in “Project Runway”, a series produced by Weinstein. They frequently attended related events together. Entin recalled their initial encounter with Weinstein at an event held at Cipriani Downtown in SoHo. At this gathering, Weinstein reportedly placed his arm around Haley’s waist and complimented her as the “most attractive” or “seductive” woman he had ever met; however, Entin could not recall the exact phrasing used. According to Entin, Haley seemed uneasy as she attempted to manage the situation with Weinstein.

During cross-examination, Jennifer Bonjean (Weinstein’s attorney) brought up that Entin had testified in Weinstein’s 2020 court case. She then probed Entin about her two books published after the initial 2020 New York trial, one of which discusses the earlier legal matters concerning Weinstein, and also about several podcast interviews she gave.

“You received many opportunities to be featured in the press?” Bonjean asked Entin.

The situation grew more intense as Bonjean questioned Entin regarding her excitement over meeting lawyer Gloria Allred, who represented Haley during Weinstein’s 2020 trial, and the media appearances she made prior to that event.

Or, in a shorter form:

The questioning about Entin’s press interactions and her excitement over meeting attorney Allred, who represented Haley in Weinstein’s trial, intensified the situation.

“He raped my friend, and I am not happy about that,” Entin said at one point.

When Bonjean questioned her reason for suggesting Haley consult a legal professional instead of immediately reporting the suspected sexual assault to the authorities, Entin explained, “Society views rape differently, and it carries a unique history. Therefore, caution is essential when taking action.

In July 2006, Weinstein was accused of carrying out a criminal sexual act of the first degree against Haley. However, he has denied these allegations by pleading not guilty to the charge.

Previously, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of sexually assaulting a former TV production assistant during his 2020 New York court case. However, this verdict, together with another concerning actress Jessica Mann, were subsequently overturned.

After taking a lunch break, Christine Pressman – who was a friend of Haley’s back in 2006 – shared details of a conversation they had while in East Hampton around August or September of that year. According to Pressman, during their discussion, Haley confided in her about an alleged sexual assault and seemed quite expressive as she narrated the event.

Pressman remembered replying that the situation was “extremely revolting and terrible,” yet suggested Haley refrain from contacting the authorities.

Pressman stated, ‘Harvey Weinstein holds a dominant position in New York, he’s incredibly influential; you, however, are not. I suggest you relent,'” Pressman said, her voice faltering as emotion took hold.

During questioning by the defense, Pressman confirmed that she did propose the idea of Haley dating Weinstein. However, when asked for the exact time when this suggestion was made, Pressman admitted she couldn’t remember the specific occasion.

Later on, Bonjean, representing Weinstein, inquired of Pressman if Haley had mentioned before their East Hampton journey that she was romantically involved with Weinstein. Pressman straightforwardly answered, “Not at all.

On Thursday, it was Kate Englund, the head of editorial operations at Getty Images, who took the stand earlier. The jury viewed several pictures from Getty that included images of Harvey Weinstein with well-known personalities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Penelope Cruz, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, and the late Queen Elizabeth II. Additionally, photographs of Kaja Sokola, one of Weinstein’s accusers who was identified during opening statements on Wednesday, were shown in court and admitted as evidence.

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2025-04-25 00:17