Harvey Weinstein Found Guilty of Rape and Criminal Sexual Assault

Infamous Hollywood film mogul, Harvey Weinstein, was found guilty of rape in the third degree and criminal sexual assault in the first degree today in New York, bringing the six-week case against the man whose actions prompted the #MeToo movement toward a close.

Weinstein is now being held in custody as he awaits his sentencing on March 11. He faces up to 25 years in prison.

These two counts were connected to separate individuals. The criminal sexual assault charge came from a former production assistant, Miriam “Mimi” Haleyi, who said she was assaulted by Weinstein in 2006. He was sentenced to rape on accusation from an unnamed victim.

Four other women also testified against Weinstein throughout the trial to establish a pattern of sexual misconduct.

In total, 28 witnesses were called throughout the case, only two called by the defense.

“Rape is rape whether it’s committed by a stranger in a dark alley or a domestic partner in a working relationship,” said district attorney of Manhattan Cy Vance at a press conference. Vance also said that this case “pulled our justice system into the 21st century.”

Despite this, the 67-year-old was found not guilty on three, objectively more serious charges: two counts of predatory sexual assault and one of rape in the first degree.

“While it is disappointing that today’s outcome does not deliver the true, full justice that so many women deserve, Harvey Weinstein will now forever be known as a convicted serial predator,” the Silence Breakers, a group of people who have accused Weinstein of assaults, said in a statement Monday. “This conviction would not be possible without the testimony of the courageous women and the many women who have spoken out.”