In a courtroom drama that has unfolded across continents, two Polish sisters-Kaja Sokola, the former model who testified against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, and her cardiologist sister Ewa-are now locked in a legal battle of their own.
Defamation Lawsuit Filed
On Tuesday, Ewa Sokola filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court accusing her younger sister of libel. The suit claims that Kaja’s public remarks constitute defamation and have harmed Ewa’s reputation and business as a cardiologist in Poland. Ewa says the statements have led to “public hatred, shame, contempt, ridicule, ostracism and disgrace” in Wrocław. She is seeking unspecified damages.
Context of the Weinstein Trial
The lawsuit comes amid the fallout from Harvey Weinstein’s most recent criminal trial. In a split verdict in June, Weinstein was convicted of forcibly performing oral sex on film and television production assistant and producer Miriam Haley but was acquitted on a charge involving Kaja’s allegations of similar conduct. Both women testified that they were assaulted in 2006. A mistrial was declared on the final charge after the jury foreperson declined to deliberate further. Weinstein has not yet been sentenced; Judge Curtis Farber is expected to rule on Jan. 8.
Sisterly Accusations
Kaja’s testimony at Weinstein’s state-court trial in New York earlier this year has been a point of contention. She claims that her sister’s statements undermined her own account of being forced into oral sex at a Manhattan hotel before her 20th birthday. After a brief appearance as an extra in the film “The Nanny Diaries,” Kaja says Weinstein met her and Ewa, showed her a script, and later pushed her onto a bed in his hotel room.
Following the trial, Kaja criticized Ewa for allegedly omitting journals that described past sexual assaults, accusing her of “personal betrayal.” The lawsuit alleges that Kaja also made false accusations against Ewa, including homicide, theft, falsification of medical records, sexual impropriety, immoral conduct, and collusion with Weinstein’s defense team.
Impact on Ewa’s Medical Practice
According to the lawsuit, Kaja’s false claims have caused tangible harm to Ewa’s practice. Ewa says she has lost referrals, experienced a reduction in patients and employees, and suffered damage to her professional reputation and standing within the medical community in Poland.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Messages seeking comment were left for Kaja’s lawyers and spokesperson on Thursday and Friday. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday, and the case will proceed in Manhattan federal court. No further statements have been released by either side.
Key Takeaways
- Ewa Sokola sues Kaja for libel, claiming defamation has harmed her cardiology practice in Poland.
- The lawsuit stems from Kaja’s testimony in Harvey Weinstein’s trial, where Kaja’s account was contested.
- Kaja’s allegations against Ewa include serious false claims that have reportedly damaged Ewa’s professional standing and business.
The clash between the Sokola sisters highlights how personal disputes can become entangled with high-profile criminal proceedings, leaving both parties to navigate a complex legal landscape.
