Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was convicted today for rape and a criminal sexual act in the case that started the #MeToo movement. Over two years had passed since the first accusations against Weinstein shocked the world. He is facing between a five- and 25-year prison sentence for the latter conviction. On the former, as much as four years could be handed down for a third-degree rape charge. He was acquitted of rape in the first degree.
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Weinstein is due to appear in court again on March 11 for sentencing but is expected to appeal the decision. While the verdict was being read, he remained expressionless. He had arrived at the court using a walker; it stayed behind as the guards took him away to New York’s City’s Rikers Island jail’s infirmary.
Other well-known names in the business world have been accused, but Weinstein’s case garnered worldwide headlines as the #MeToo movement was taking off. (The latest famous man to be accused is fashion mogul Peter Nygard, who was recently sued by ten women for alleged rape and sex trafficking in the Bahamas, U.S. and other countries).
A statement on behalf of Weinstein’s lawyers, Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis laid out not only their expected appeal but also their expectations for Weinstein’s safety and medical treatment at Rikers Island. “While he was not convicted on the most serious charges, we are disappointed in the verdict and will be filing an appeal,” it says. “There are issues in this trial that were extremely troubling, and they prejudiced Mr. Weinstein’s ability to have his case fairly judged. These will be addressed to a higher court.” The lawyers want him to get “the best medical supervision and care possible” at the jail’s infirmary, as well as to be placed under protective custody while there.
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Reference: CNN
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