A former production assistant on 'Project Runway' tearfully recalled in court Wednesday the moment she realized 'I’m getting raped' by Harvey Weinstein during an alleged assault at his SoHo apartment two decades ago.

In a haunting testimony delivered in Manhattan Supreme Court, Miriam 'Mimi' Haley recounted her traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein in 2006. Now 48, Haley’s emotional recounting included graphic details of the alleged attack, where she described feeling completely powerless against the much larger Weinstein, who allegedly ignored her protests and pinned her down to carry out the assault. Her testimony reiterated the complexities many survivors face — the fear of coming forward due to the understanding that Weinstein was a powerful figure in the entertainment industry. Haley's decision to share her ordeal comes as part of Weinstein's retrial, following an overturned conviction in 2020. Her narrative is starkly reminiscent of common themes in the #MeToo movement — the struggle against systemic abuse in the industry and the very personal repercussions victims face when they remain silent, often due to fears of backlash. Notably, Haley's acknowledgment of her cordial communications with Weinstein following the assault is critical, as it counters defense claims of consensual relationships, emphasizing the complicated dynamics of power and coercion in such encounters. Weinstein, now 73 and appearing in court in a wheelchair, maintains his innocence against numerous allegations totaling over 80 from other accusers. Observing the dramatic developments, the case underlines not just the individual battles of women like Haley but also a broader cultural shift toward addressing sexual misconduct in Hollywood and beyond. The outcome of this retrial could further reshape the narrative surrounding both Weinstein and the support systems available for victims of sexual violence.