During the recent criminal trial of former film producer Harvey Weinstein, two sisters, Kaja and Ewa Sokola, were prominently involved. Kaja Sokola testified as an accuser of Weinstein, alleging sexual assault, while her sister Ewa provided testimony intended to support Kaja's claims but ultimately appeared to benefit the defense's position.
Following the trial, Ewa Sokola initiated a defamation lawsuit against her sister Kaja, submitting the legal complaint on Tuesday in a Manhattan federal court. Ewa, a cardiologist practicing in Wrocław, Poland, contends that Kaja’s public remarks constitute libel, causing harm to her reputation and adversely affecting her medical career.
The lawsuit alleges that Kaja made false statements that have led to Ewa being subjected to public contempt, ridicule, and social ostracism within her community. Consequently, these remarks have reportedly resulted in the loss of patient referrals, diminished clientele, and a decline in her medical practice’s workforce. The specifics of damages sought were not disclosed. Efforts to obtain comments from Kaja Sokola’s legal representatives and spokesperson yielded no responses as of Thursday and Friday.
Weinstein was convicted in June on charges related to forcing oral sex on Miriam Haley, an assistant and producer in the entertainment industry, involving an incident from 2006. However, Weinstein was acquitted on charges stemming from Kaja Sokola's similar accusations. A mistrial was declared regarding the allegation of rape involving former actress Jessica Mann due to jury deadlock. At present, sentencing has not occurred as Judge Curtis Farber reviews a defense motion to overturn the verdict, prompted by juror claims of coercion during deliberations. A ruling on this matter is expected by January 8.
Kaja Sokola publicly criticized her sister’s testimony during the New York state trial, asserting that Ewa’s statements undermined her own account of Weinstein’s alleged assault at a Manhattan hotel before Kaja's 20th birthday. Kaja recounted that Weinstein had arranged for her to be an extra in the film "The Nanny Diaries" and separately met with both sisters. After initial conversation, Weinstein invited Kaja to view a script in his hotel room, where she alleges he forcibly assaulted her.
Ewa Sokola had been called to provide prosecution testimony; however, her statements, including reference to a journal documenting sexual assaults by various men which excluded Weinstein, were seen as benefiting Weinstein’s defense position. Kaja criticized Ewa post-trial for this, labeling her testimony a “betrayal” and accusing her of withholding journal entries related to Weinstein’s alleged conduct.
The federal lawsuit further claims that Kaja accused Ewa of numerous false criminal and unethical acts, including homicide, theft, falsification of medical records, sexual impropriety, and collusion with Weinstein’s defense team. These allegations have contributed to reputational harm for Ewa within her professional and local circles.