By 23 years in prison, an American court sentenced the once most powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, convicted of rape and sexual assault. Learn more about completing the #metoo global movement.
The maximum punishment that threatened Harvey Weinstein for rape of the third degree and the commission of sexual acts of a violent nature against two women, 29 years in prison. The lawyers of the disgraced Hollywood producer asked the court to appoint a minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and show leniency to the defendant, given his age, state of health and lack of past convictions. But the court in New York, apparently, took into account the public statements of dozens of women who spoke about harassment by Weinstein, including top Hollywood actresses, and sentenced the producer to 23 years in prison. “This is the first sentence, but not the first crime,” said Judge James Burke. Given that Weinstein is now 67 years old, this punishment may become for him life. Prosecutors and leaders of the #metoo movement hailed severe punishment for Weinstein. The Manhattan District Attorney said the court’s decision “is a warning to sexual predators and rapists in all segments of society.” Weinstein’s defense called the punishment obscene, disgusting, and cowardly. The Harvey Weinstein case was examined by a jury of seven men and five women. On the three most difficult charges, the producer was acquitted.
In Los Angeles, another rape and sexual assault case is underway against Harvey Weinstein. The city’s prosecutor’s office has already begun the extradition of the producer from New York to California for trial.
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