Harvey Weinstein found guilty of rape; accusers welcome verdict
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was on Monday found guilty of sexual assault and rape by a New York jury. He now faces a punishment of up to 25 years in prison. However, he was acquitted on various serious charges. Once one of the most powerful movie producers in the West, a handcuffed Weinstein was taken into custody, immediately after the conviction.
The sentencing hearing was scheduled for March 11
Weinstein (67) was convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013. However, the jury acquitted him on two counts of predatory sexual assault, which could have landed him in jail for life. The hearing for Weinstein's sentencing was scheduled for March 11.
Following the conviction, Weinstein complained of pain; avoided jail
However, Weinstein avoided jail on Monday, following the conviction. The convicted rapist complained of pain, while he was on his way to Rikers Island jail. He was then taken to Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital. It is unclear how long Weinstein will be kept there.
More than 80 women accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct
The sexual assault cases against the mogul were a milestone in the #MeToo movement, that inspired women to speak up against misconduct and harassment by powerful men. More than 80 women, including popular actresses, had accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. However, Weinstein denied the allegations, claiming that all sexual encounters were consensual. Weinstein's lawyers said he will appeal the conviction.
'It is like the sky is blue again'
Weinstein's accusers breathed a sigh of relief, following the conviction. "Harvey Weinstein has haunted many of our lives, even our nightmares, long after he initially did what he did to each one of us," actress Mira Sorvino told reporters. "The era of impunity for powerful men who rape people is over", she added. Actress Caitlin Dulany said, "It's like the sky is blue again."
