Days into Harvey Weinstein’s first sexual assault trial in 2020, prosecutors were informed about a new allegation from former model Kaja Sokola, who claimed Weinstein had forced oral sex on her. However, her testimony was not included in that trial as investigators were still gathering information. Weinstein was ultimately convicted of charges from other victims in February 2020.
Recently, Sokola revisited her claims in a new trial after an appeals court annulled Weinstein’s previous conviction. Prosecutors have now added a sexual assault charge based on Sokola’s allegations. In court, Sokola walked past Weinstein without acknowledging him, taking the stand amidst a backdrop of renewed scrutiny and legal battles for the disgraced producer.
Weinstein, now 73, has pleaded not guilty, with his defence asserting that any encounters were consensual and that his accusers maintained contact for career opportunities afterward. On the other hand, the women allege Weinstein exploited their aspirations for success in the film industry to perpetrate his abuses.
Sokola, originally from Poland, is now a psychotherapist and author who recently started a film production company. She initially made headlines by suing Weinstein in 2017 amid the emergence of numerous allegations against him, which played a pivotal role in the #MeToo movement. To date, Sokola received a $3.5 million settlement from Weinstein in connection to her claims.
During her testimony, Sokola revealed her reluctance to pursue a modelling career, expressing a desire to focus on acting and writing. Her foray into modelling began at age 14 when her family encouraged her to enter a contest, leading her to balance school with the demands of the industry. By 16, she was in New York meeting influential figures in modelling and film.
Testifying about her alleged assault in 2006, Sokola recounted meeting Weinstein after he arranged for her to be an extra in a film. Despite her apparent unease following their encounter, which she described in vivid terms, she did not disclose the alleged assault to her sister until much later, expressing surprise when she later found out about the seriousness of the allegations against Weinstein.
Weinstein’s legal team aims to challenge Sokola’s account, questioning her delay in coming forward. Prosecutors, however, note that many victims hesitated to speak out due to Weinstein’s power. Following the annulment of his conviction, investigators reopened Sokola’s case after setting it aside amid the pandemic.
The trial continues with further testimonies expected, including contributions from other accusers. This case’s complexities highlight the ongoing struggles faced by victims of sexual assault in seeking justice against powerful figures in the entertainment industry.