In recent months, survivors of sexual crimes and #MeToo-related harassment have faced several setbacks in the United States. Movie producer Harvey Weinstein is now facing a third trial on sexual assault charges, following earlier cases that brought mixed outcomes for his accusers. In another high-profile case, rapper Sean Combs was convicted only on lesser charges after being tried for federal racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
At the same time, some men accused of sexual misconduct or harassment have returned to public life. Donald Trump is in the White House, comedian Louis CK is headlining a national tour, and former New York governor Andrew Cuomo is running for mayor of New York City.
For Kaja Sokola, Weinstein’s youngest sexual assault accuser, this is a difficult time to speak out as a survivor. “I believe these are setbacks for #MeToo, and I think it’s very important right now for people to speak up,” she told the Guardian. “For those being abused, the most important message I can share is that you don’t have to go to court to find justice—but you do need to talk to others.”
Sokola understands disappointment within the U.S. justice system. She says Weinstein raped her twice—once in 2002 when she was 16, and again in 2006 when she was 19. Now 39, she testified in June about the alleged 2006 assault, describing how Weinstein took her to a hotel and raped her after she and her older sister had gone to meet him.
The jury found that the charge related to Sokola’s claim did not meet the burden of proof required for conviction. However, Weinstein was found guilty of raping another accuser, Miriam Haley, and the jury was deadlocked on a charge involving Jessica Mann—a charge that may now be retried.
After Weinstein was acquitted on the charge related to Sokola, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg apologized to her for the verdict and thanked her for her bravery. “Without the courage of survivors like you, prosecutors like us cannot pursue accountability and justice,” he said, adding that the case highlighted “an immense power imbalance.”
Sokola has had time to reflect on what happened. Her sister gave the defense personal writings from a time when Sokola was in rehab for alcoholism and bulimia. These writings listed other men who had abused her but did not mention the alleged rape by Weinstein. The two sisters are no longer on speaking terms. “No, and I won’t [speak to her],” Sokola said.
“I was terrified that Harvey’s lawyers could destroy me, so that’s why I didn’t write about it,” she explained. A former friend also testified that Sokola and Weinstein had been together earlier, which complicated the timeline of her account.
Sokola believes the trial was more about showing that people who thought they were untouchable aren’t above the law. “I’m pleased that I came forward so people could hear my story, and that prosecutors took on the case. The jurors are a whole different story,” she said.
She identifies with Cassie Ventura, who testified at length in the Sean Combs case. Sokola, too, was in a long-term abusive relationship—a seven-year marriage that ended in a custody battle. A U.S. court found that her husband had subjected her to “severe, unrelenting psychological and physical abuse.”
“I really connected with Cassie’s story because I don’t think people understand how hard it is to leave an abusive relationship,” Sokola said. “That’s why I have so much empathy for Cassie. I met Harvey when I was 16; she met Sean when she was 19. We were just kids.”
Sokola’s experience reflects that of many young women who came to the U.S. in the 2000s. At the time, the fashion industry sought Eastern European and Brazilian models, and agencies readily supplied them. “I was definitely the type they wanted. But sending a 16-year-old…”Sending young models to cities like this is inappropriate.
What she discovered wasn’t what she expected. Promoters—often models themselves—encouraged models to go to nightclubs. Two New York clubs, Seraphina and Butter, were mentioned during the trial.
“Everyone knew what was happening. It wasn’t a secret. The first time I went out to dinner at Seraphina, I thought, ‘Wow, someone is paying for my meal—how generous! How lucky!’ It was only later that I understood the real exchange happening, and my perspective changed.”
Sokola now believes, “Modeling agencies act like pimps for wealthy people.”
Weinstein, who denies all allegations, is currently jailed at Rikers Island in New York. He faces sentencing on September 30 for the conviction involving Miriam Haley, which could add 10 years to the 16-year sentence he received from a separate sexual assault conviction in California. However, the New York sentencing will only proceed if there is no retrial regarding the Jessica Mann rape charge.
Weinstein’s defense team told The Guardian that he will not plead guilty to raping Mann to avoid a fourth trial.
“At some point, this becomes too much,” said Weinstein’s crisis PR representative, Juda Engelmayer. “The prosecution struggled to make their case last time, and they’ll have a hard time again. Harvey is fully prepared for his next day in court.”
But Sokola’s role is over—she can’t be called to testify again. She has made peace with that.
“He’ll probably die in jail. I’m not 16 anymore—I’m 39, and I can stand my ground. I’m at peace with how things are now. It felt like closing a chapter.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Kaja Sokola and her advocacy presented in a clear and natural tone
Basic Questions Who is Kaja Sokola
Q Who is Kaja Sokola
A Kaja Sokola is a Polish model and actress who came forward as one of the survivors of sexual assault by the former film producer Harvey Weinstein
Q What is her connection to the Harvey Weinstein case
A She accused Weinstein of assaulting her in 2002 when she was just 16 years old Her testimony was a key part of the criminal trial that led to his conviction
Q How old was Kaja Sokola when the assault happened
A She was 16 years old at the time of the assault in 2002
Questions About Her Message and Advocacy
Q What is Kaja Sokolas main message
A Her main message is that it is crucial for survivors of sexual assault to speak out as breaking the silence is a powerful step toward justice and healing and it helps prevent future assaults
Q Why does she say speaking out is so important
A She believes that speaking out empowers other survivors to come forward holds perpetrators accountable and challenges the culture of silence that protects powerful abusers
Q What has she done since coming forward
A She has become a vocal advocate for survivors rights spoken publicly about her experience and used her platform to encourage change in how society handles sexual assault cases
Deeper Questions and Practical Advice
Q What are the biggest challenges for someone thinking about speaking out
A The biggest challenges often include fear of not being believed fear of retaliation shame and the emotional difficulty of reliving a traumatic experience
Q What advice does she give to other survivors
A While each persons journey is unique her advocacy emphasizes that you are not alone it is not your fault and there is strength and support available when you are ready to share your story
Q Has speaking out helped her personally
A Yes she has stated that while it was incredibly difficult speaking out was a necessary step for her own healing and for seeking justice
Q What impact did her coming forward have on the MeToo movement
A As one of the youngest accusers and someone who was assaulted
