There's been a major step forward for the #MeToo movement as Harvey Weinstein was convicted in court yesterday.
The former Hollywood mogul was found guilty on two of five potential counts — committing a criminal sex act in the first degree and rape in the third degree.
The victims, actress Jessica Mann and production assistant Mimi Haleyi, gave graphic evidence during the course of the four-week trial.
Harvey Weinstein will spend the next 16 days in jail while he awaits sentencing.
He could serve over 25 years in prison though his lawyers say they will appeal against the verdict.
Weinstein has been the subject of dozens of sexual harassment and assault claims.
Among his accusers was actress Ashley Judd, who took to Twitter upon hearing news of the conviction.
She thanked those who came forward and told their stories in court.
“For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere,” Judd tweeted. “Thank you.”
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
Actresses Rose McGowan, Rosanna Arquette, Alyssa Milano, Elizabeth Banks and Ellen Barkin also responded to the news.
Anthony Rapp, Ronan Farrow and Judd Apatow among others offered their reflections too.
Today is a powerful day & a huge step forward in our collective healing
— Rose McGowan (@rosemcgowan) February 24, 2020
The jury convicted Weinstein of 1 count of rape & 1 count of committing a criminal sexual act. He was acquitted on the charges of predatory sexual assault, which each carried a potential life sentence.https://t.co/6J16rDHUbN
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) February 24, 2020
I applaud the women who bravely stepped forward to help forever alter the conversation around what they — and all of us — have to put up with. Gratified to see some justice being served here. #MeToo https://t.co/wR4f66uecj
— Anthony Rapp SAG-AFTRA National Board Member (@albinokid) February 24, 2020
Harvey Weinstein is a convicted rapist. No matter how hard the defense might try, he will remain a convicted rapist til the day he dies.
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) February 24, 2020
Today’s outcome in Harvey Weinstein’s New York trial is the result of the decisions of multiple women to come forward to journalists and to prosecutors at great personal cost and risk. Please keep those women in your thoughts today.
— Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow) February 24, 2020
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
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
Harvey Weinstein is also due to face sex crime charges in Los Angeles.
