Harvey Weinstein, a former movie producer, was convicted of sexual assault and third degree rape then handcuffed in court on Monday, Reuters reported.
Sixty-seven-year-old Weinstein was convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and the 2013 rape of Jessica Mann, who was once an aspiring actress.
The case of the former movie mogul, who was once considered as ‘the most powerful man in Hollywood’ after producing a string of successful movies, is considered a triumph of the #MeToo movement that raised awareness of sexual misconduct and discrimination committed against female workers in the film or entertainment industry.
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Judge James Burke ordered Weinstein to be held in custody and was put in handcuffs by officers in court. With the two guilty verdicts, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
Meanwhile, the jury acquitted him of two counts of predatory sexual assault and first degree rape of Mann. More than 80 women, including famous actresses, had accused him of sexual misconduct stretching back decades. He had denied the allegations. He also said that any sexual encounters were consensual.
Weinstein’s lawyers said accusers were driven by regret and took consensual encounters and used them to frame the movie producer. The same lawyers also mentioned friendly messages and ongoing contact between the women and Weinstein.
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An example is former production assistant Mimi Haleyi, who the defense said sent Weinstein messages signed with “lots of love” after her alleged attack and that Jessica Mann willingly had sex with the producer to advance her career.
Weinstein still faces sexual assault charges in California and there are dozens more who have filed civil lawsuits against him.
