Content warning: rape, sexual violence
Two years after survivors broke the silence around Harvey Weinstein’s predatory behavior, Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of criminal sexual acts and rape in New York.
On Monday, 24 February, a New York jury found Weinstein guilty of a criminal sex act in the first degree and rape in the third degree. Weinstein will have to register as a sex offender and could face up to twenty-five years in prison. He will be sentenced on 11 March.
Now, Weinstein is due to face a criminal case in Los Angeles, where prosecutors filed charges for two incidents that happened over a two-day period. Weinstein is accused of forcible rape, sexual penetration by use of force, and sexual battery by restraint. These crimes carry a potential 28-year prison sentence. While the specifics of the trial are not yet clear considering that Weinstein is now a convicted rapist in New York, the Los Angeles district attorney’s office reported that they were still moving forward with the case. (“Harvey Weinstein to face charges in Los Angeles after guilty verdict in New York”, Sam Levin, The Guardian, 25 February 2020).
With gratitude to every woman who broke the silence, to everyone who said #MeToo, to everyone whose case didn’t make it this far – we see you, we believe you, and we love you. Your voice, your bravery changed the tide and moved us ever closer to justice. We will stand with you and we will fight #UntilTheViolenceStops.
Join us
RISE 2020: Raise the Vibration, plan a RISING, a V-DAY benefit production, or a CITY OF JOY screening or house party in your college or community.
V-Day: Say It, Stage it – PRODUCE a V-Day benefit as an Artistic Uprising in your college/university, in your community
One Billion Rising: Raise the Vibration – RISE in your community, for your community
City of Joy: Turn Pain to Power – SCREEN the documentary, SUPPORT the Women in DR Congo