Women react with dismay to New York court’s decision to overturn the rape conviction of former movie producer Harvey Weinstein.
A New York appeals court has overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 conviction for rape, saying the trial judge should not have allowed other women to testify about alleged assaults that the movie mogul had not been charged with in that particular case.
More than 100 women, including some of the world’s most prominent actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct since 2017.
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After his 2020 criminal trial in New York, a civil trial awarded $17m to dozens of other women who had accused Weinstein of abuse. In 2022, he was also convicted of rape in California and jailed for 16 years.
Here are some of the reactions to Thursday’s decision:
Arthur Aidala, Weinstein’s defence lawyer
“Today’s ruling is not merely a victory for Harvey Weinstein, but it’s a victory for every citizen in this country who’s charged with a crime, and no matter how popular or unpopular they are, the court has declared loudly that they are entitled to all of the protections in our United States Constitution and our New York state constitution.”
Rosanna Arquette, actress and Weinstein accuser
“Harvey was rightfully convicted. It’s unfortunate that the court has overturned his conviction. As a survivor, I am beyond disappointed.”
Jennifer Bonjean, lawyer for Weinstein who is appealing his Los Angeles rape conviction
“A jury was told in California that he was convicted in another state for rape … Turns out he shouldn’t have been convicted, and it wasn’t a fair conviction. … It interfered with his presumption of innocence in a significant way in California.”
Tarana Burke, founder of wider #MeToo movement
“Because the brave women in this case broke their silence, millions and millions and millions of others found the strength to come forward and do the same. That will always be the victory. This doesn’t change that. And the people who abuse their power and privilege to violate and harm others will always be the villain. This doesn’t change that.”
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Elizabeth Fegan, lawyer for Weinstein accusers
“I am eternally grateful to the LA District Attorney and the women who put themselves through enormous emotional pain reliving the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Weinstein in a second trial.
“Some thought the LA case to be superfluous in light of the NY verdict, but now we realize how important it was.”