The rape trial against US film producer Weinstein may be reheard. The New York court’s decision caused horror, especially in Hollywood.
Tarana Burke, considered the founder of the MeToo movement, did not hesitate long before appearing in front of the press. Just an hour after the New York court decided to overturn Harvey Weinstein’s conviction, she said: “Many of us saw Weinstein’s original conviction as a sign of change. But this moment feels like we’re lying incorrect.”
There will now be a lot of headlines and questions about what this means for the MeToo movement, Burke said, making it clear that moments like this underscore why the movement is necessary. “Ten years ago we wouldn’t have gotten a man like Weinstein in a courtroom!”
“Sex offenders are thieves”
Ashley Judd was the first actress to publicly describe Weinstein’s abuses – in an article in the “New York Times” in 2017. She spoke on the CBS television channel about the moment she found out about the court’s decision.
“I just planned a trip to Yellowstone Park,” said Judd. “And the point I want to make is that sexual predators are thieves. First they rape us, and then they steal our time. I had a good morning – and now I have to get back to Weinstein.”
Prosecutors called additional witnesses
Jodi Kantor is a reporter at The New York Times and is one of the journalists who uncovered the Weinstein scandal. In 2020, a court in New York sentenced him to 23 years in prison. Kantor says it was already clear to her at the time that the verdict could be appealed.
“The prosecutors called additional witnesses, women who experienced terrible things with Weinstein,” said Kantor. “But that was legally questionable. Because the classic rule in negotiations is that only witnesses whose case is actually at issue are called. That was not the case here, which paved the way for the appeal.”
Weinstein remains in custody for second guilty verdict
Weinstein is 72 and maintains his innocence. He is currently incarcerated in a prison outside New York City and remains incarcerated. A court in Los Angeles sentenced him to another 16 years. Weinstein’s lawyer said he would also appeal against it in May.
After the court’s decision in New York, his lawyer Arthur Aidala spoke of a victory. “His case will now be retried – as if it had just begun. And he will be brought here, to a facility near here. And we will compete.”
It is not yet clear whether the case will actually be heard again. Regardless of this, Tarana Burke also speaks of a success: “Almost seven years ago, courageous women broke their silence and millions followed them. That will always be success!”