Harvey Weinstein, the renowned producer of blockbuster films such as The Lord of the Rings and Scream, has been found guilty of rape yet again.
Weinstein, a former titan in the movie industry, has been the face of highly positioned men in the industry using their power against women. Dozens of rape allegations have fallen back on the producer, starting back in October 2017. The New York Times published stories of women in the entertainment industry who have been sexually abused by Weinstein. two of these women who spoke with the Times were Actresses Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd. 5 days later, the Times published not just another story, but 13 stories from women claiming sexual misconduct against Weinstein, 3 of which accused rape.
As allegations kept spilling out, Harvey’s wife announced she was leaving him and stated that her priority was her young children.
Weinstein officially turned himself into the NYPD on sexual misconduct charges, despite pleading not guilty throughout his trial. His bail was set at one million dollars.
Harvey’s trial process began in early January 2020. After five days of deliberation, the jury finds Weinstein guilty of a criminal sexual act in the first-degree and third-degree rape. The 67-year-old was convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping ex-actress Jessica Mann in 2013. He was acquitted of first-degree rape and two counts of predatory sexual assault. Weinstein is sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault.
Throughout the next couple of years, dozens more allegations have been made, calling for yet another trial. A New York judge ruled Weinstein can be extradited to California to face additional sexual assault charges. Weinstein pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges in a Los Angeles court.
The Los Angeles jury agreed that Mr. Weinstein was guilty of three counts — rape, forcible oral sex, and sexual penetration — involving an Italian actress who testified that he attacked her in a hotel room in 2013.
Although guilty on far too many counts, undecided and not guilty by few, Weinstein still refuses to own up to his actions. “I don’t know how to say it more gently than this, but fury does not make fact,” he said. “Tears do not make truth.” As the 70-year-old looks at well over 20 years behind bars, justice has been served as far as it can, As his victims are forever bounded by his assault.
