Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty on two counts in his sexual assault trial in New York.
The landmark trial serves as a win for the #MeToo movement that inspired women across the world to speak out against abuse at the hands of men in power.
Former Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault in a milestone verdict for the #MeToo movement.
Weinstein has been convicted of sexual assault and rape in the third degree, although he has been acquitted on counts of predatory sexual assault and first-degree rape, which carry an even greater sentence. Nevertheless, he faces between 5 and 25 years in prison.
The convictions include the sexual assault of former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and the rape of actress Jessica Mann in 2013.
According to The New York Times, Weinstein “appeared unmoved as the verdict was read.” Weinstein was ordered straight to jail where he will remain until his sentencing hearing on the 11th of March.
A number of Hollywood stars and victims have responded to the verdict. Ashely Judd, who came forward with some of the initial allegations against Weinstein, was one of the first to react to the verdict, praising all the women who had spoken up:
For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere, thank you.#ConvictWeinstein #Guilty
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) February 24, 2020
Others like Reese Witherspoon, Rosie Perez, Ellen Barkin, Elizabeth Banks, and Eva Longoria Baston also commended survivors and friends:
Today’s historic win in the Weinstein trial is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the #SilenceBreakers, and a victory for survivors everywhere. This is just the beginning. Join @TIMESUPNOW’s fight for safety, equity & justice in every workplace: https://t.co/WotjoNnlA3
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) February 24, 2020
HARVEY WEINSTEIN HAS BEEN HANDCUFFED & TAKEN TO JAIL! GUTTED FOR MY DEAR FRIEND #ANNABELLASCIORRA WHO TOLD THE TRUTH! YET I CONGRATULATE HER & ALL WHO CAME FORWARD FOR THEIR BRAVERY. THIS IS NOT ENOUGH BUT SURVIVORS TAKE COURAGE! THIS IS STILL A GREAT WIN! CONGRATS JOAN ILLUZZI! https://t.co/LihJLiudNo
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) February 24, 2020
Right now Harvey Weinstein is on his way to prison. These are the women who put him away…
Mimi Haleyi
Jessica Mann
Annabella Sciorra
Dawn Dunning
Lauren Young
Tarale Wulff
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) February 24, 2020
I am heartened for his victims and for all those who said #metoo and #TimesUp that some justice has been done. https://t.co/5PYPfhRPjq
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) February 24, 2020
Today’s guilty verdicts
in the Weinstein trial are a testament to the bravery & resilience of the #SilenceBreakers,& a victory for survivors everywhere.
This is just the beginning. Join @TIMESUPNOW’s fight for safety, equity & justice in every workplace: Text COURAGE to 306-44. pic.twitter.com/3yEf4K7OGA— Eva Longoria Baston (@EvaLongoria) February 24, 2020
Kim Cattrall pointed out ongoing prejudices:
Hearing #HarveyWeinstein ‘s lawyer describing his client’s reaction to his 2 Guilty Rape verdicts “like a gentleman” speaks volumes. @RonanFarrow
— Kim Cattrall (@KimCattrall) February 24, 2020
Whilst Judd Apatow reminded that Weinstein is still facing more charges in L.A.:
Don’t forget- Harvey Weinstein faces four more charges in Los Angeles. This is just the beginning of holding him accountable. https://t.co/BY3nNxmwNt
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 24, 2020
British Labour Party member, Jess Phillips, described how many felt that Weinstein would never go to jail:
I’ve met a few of the women who have made claims against Weinstein, I’ve worked with remarkable women forced in to years of silence through NDAs by him. They all said to me at one point or another,”I just don’t believe he’ll ever go to jail.” Years of no one listening does that.
— Jess Phillips MP (@jessphillips) February 24, 2020
And fellow Labour MP Chi Onwurah also weighed in:
I am pleased that Weinstein has been held accountable for at least some of his crimes, I hope this brings some satisfaction to some of his many victims & that, finally, the British Honours System recognise the Weinstein is not worthy of honour. https://t.co/PHpm0FeNR7
— chi onwurah (@ChiOnwurah) February 24, 2020
Speaking on the verdict, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance stated: “It’s a new day because Weinstein has finally been held accountable.”
Addressing the jurors, he described: “Your verdict turned a page in our criminal justice system.”
