A New York appeals courtroom has overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 conviction for rape, saying the trial decide mustn’t have allowed different girls to testify about alleged assaults that the film mogul had not been charged with in that specific case.
Greater than 100 girls, together with a few of the world’s most outstanding actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct since 2017.
After his 2020 prison trial in New York, a civil trial awarded $17m to dozens of different girls who had accused Weinstein of abuse. In 2022, he was additionally convicted of rape in California and jailed for 16 years.
Listed here are a few of the reactions to Thursday’s resolution:
Arthur Aidala, Weinstein’s defence lawyer
“Immediately’s ruling is just not merely a victory for Harvey Weinstein, however it’s a victory for each citizen on this nation who’s charged with a criminal offense, and regardless of how in style or unpopular they’re, the courtroom has declared loudly that they’re entitled to all the protections in our United States Structure and our New York state structure.”
Rosanna Arquette, actress and Weinstein accuser
“Harvey was rightfully convicted. It’s unlucky that the courtroom has overturned his conviction. As a survivor, I’m past disenchanted.”
Jennifer Bonjean, lawyer for Weinstein who’s interesting his Los Angeles rape conviction
“A jury was informed in California that he was convicted in one other state for rape … Seems he shouldn’t have been convicted, and it wasn’t a good conviction. … It interfered along with his presumption of innocence in a big method in California.”
Tarana Burke, founding father of wider #MeToo motion
“As a result of the courageous girls on this case broke their silence, hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands of others discovered the power to return ahead and do the identical. That may at all times be the victory. This doesn’t change that. And the individuals who abuse their energy and privilege to violate and hurt others will at all times be the villain. This doesn’t change that.”
Elizabeth Fegan, lawyer for Weinstein accusers
“I’m eternally grateful to the LA District Lawyer and the ladies who put themselves by monumental emotional ache reliving the sexual abuse they suffered by the hands of Weinstein in a second trial.
“Some thought the LA case to be superfluous in mild of the NY verdict, however now we understand how vital it was.”
Horrified!Day after #DenimDay honoring sexual violence survivors,Harvey Weinstein’s conviction overturned,due partly to molyneux witnesses testifying to prior unhealthy acts,like lioness Annabella Sciorra.Since when don’t courts permit proof of sample of prior unhealthy acts to be… pic.twitter.com/yIoF6u76da
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) April 25, 2024
Lindsay Goldbrum, lawyer for Weinstein accusers
“Immediately’s ruling sadly casts a darkish shadow on their bravery and can undoubtedly deter future sexual assault victims from coming ahead.
“To all victims of sexual assault who’re retraumatized by at present’s ruling, I’m so sorry.”
Jeff Herman, lawyer for a few of Weinstein’s accusers who introduced civil instances
“The overturned conviction highlights the significance of civil instances which is typically the one treatment out there to reveal predators and the establishments that allow them.
“Due to legal guidelines just like the New York Baby Victims Act, predators proceed to be uncovered even with no prison conviction.”
Anita Hill, chair and president of The Hollywood Fee
“Immediately’s resolution reinforces what we already know by our survey of over 13,000 leisure employees. We’ve got seen a scarcity of progress in addressing the facility imbalances that permit abuse to happen and that sexual assault continues to be a pervasive drawback.”
Ashley Judd, actress and one in every of Weinstein’s accusers
“This at present is an act of institutional betrayal.”
Rose McGowan, actress and Weinstein accuser
“They’ll by no means overturn who we’re. Blessings to all who gave their all.”
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, one of Weinstein’s accusers in the Los Angeles case and wife of California governor
“This is a very sad day for countless women who suffered at the hands of a serial predator. Two juries have said unequivocally: Harvey Weinstein must never be able to rape another woman, and he deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Harvey Weinstein is a serial predator and rapist.
“Most men are good men – it’s the serial perpetrators of violence against women who are the harm to our society.”
Silence Breakers Group, representing women who accused Weinstein and others of sexual misconduct
“The news today is not only disheartening, but it’s profoundly unjust.
“But this ruling does not diminish the validity of our experiences or our truth; it’s merely a setback. The man found guilty continues to serve time in a California prison. When survivors everywhere broke their silence in 2017, the world changed. We continue to stand strong and advocate for that change. We will continue to fight for justice for survivors everywhere.”
Emily Tuttle, spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg
“We will do everything in our power to retry this case, and remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors of sexual assault.”
WTF! “The reversal of the conviction was determined by a SINGLE vote, by a majority female panel of judges, who in February held a searching public debate about the fairness of the trial.” –@jodikantor https://t.co/M1D4q7fNsz
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) April 25, 2024
Douglas Wigdor, lawyer for eight Weinstein accusers
“Today’s decision is a major step back in holding those accountable for acts of sexual violence. Courts routinely admit evidence of other uncharged acts where they assist juries in understanding issues concerning the intent, modus operandi or scheme of the defendant. The jury was instructed on the relevance of this testimony and overturning the verdict is tragic in that it will require the victims to endure yet another trial.”
