Hollywood Reacts to Harvey Weinstein Verdict: ‘I Hope the Handcuffs Are Tight’
Click here to read the full article.
Harvey Weinstein, once regarded as one of the most influential forces in the film industry, was found guilty of committing a “criminal sexual act” and third-degree rape on Monday morning. He was acquitted on two counts of predatory sexual assault.
The verdict comes two years after more than a dozen women accused Weinstein of sexual harassment, assault or rape in explosive exposés published by the New York Times and the New Yorker. Since then, more than 100 women have come forward with similar allegations. Hollywood reflected on the verdict on Monday, with many, including actress Ashley Judd — one of Weinstein’s accusers — commending the six women who testified in the case for their courage.
More from Variety
Time's Up Calls Harvey Weinstein Guilty Verdict a 'New Era of Justice'
Harvey Weinstein Guilty of Sexual Assault and Third-Degree Rape, Acquitted on Other Charges
Harvey Weinstein Jury Note Stirs Frenzied Speculation on Verdict
For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere, thank you.#ConvictWeinstein #Guilty
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) February 24, 2020
Anthony Rapp, who accused Kevin Spacey of making an unwanted sexual advance toward him when he was 14, also applauded the witnesses.
I applaud the women who bravely stepped forward to help forever alter the conversation around what they — and all of us — have to put up with. Gratified to see some justice being served here. #MeToo https://t.co/wR4f66uecj
— Anthony Rapp (@albinokid) February 24, 2020
Here are more reactions to the verdict:
Women in Film Los Angeles executive director Kirsten Schaffer called the verdict long overdue.
“Today’s verdict is a significant and long-overdue step towards justice for women who have, for years, silently shouldered workplace sexual harassment and assault without recourse,” Schaffer said in a statement. “WIF extends its most heartfelt gratitude and support to the Silence Breakers who have heroically endured so much throughout this trial. We trust that this conviction will set a precedent so that perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment — no matter how powerful — will now be unable to escape the criminal consequences of their predatory behavior. For nearly five decades WIF has worked to combat inequity in entertainment and we will continue to innovate new ways to ensure safety, and bring about parity in all areas of the screen industries. We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual harassment or misconduct while working in entertainment, and needs support, to call the WIF Help Line at 855.WIF.LINE.”
I hope the handcuffs are tight … #metoo #weinsteintrial https://t.co/O1TWzBg1Rl
— Gretchen Carlson (@GretchenCarlson) February 24, 2020
Today’s outcome in Harvey Weinstein’s New York trial is the result of the decisions of multiple women to come forward to journalists and to prosecutors at great personal cost and risk. Please keep those women in your thoughts today.
— Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow) February 24, 2020
I am heartened for his victims and for all those who said #metoo and #TimesUp that some justice has been done. https://t.co/5PYPfhRPjq
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) February 24, 2020
The jury convicted Weinstein of 1 count of rape & 1 count of committing a criminal sexual act. He was acquitted on the charges of predatory sexual assault, which each carried a potential life sentence.https://t.co/6J16rDHUbN
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) February 24, 2020
0.7% of sex criminals are convicted. weinstein has been convicted https://t.co/f1Ppy3ploe
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) February 24, 2020
Harvey Weinstein is now a convicted rapist.
If there's a man who doesn't deserve bail, it's him.
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) February 24, 2020
Go up to a female stranger right now and tell her Weinstein guilty and watch her face, I just did it & it was amazing.
— Julie Klausner (@julieklausner) February 24, 2020
That cheering you hear is the sound of female journalists finally being able to drop the "alleged" before "rapist Harvey Weinstein" in their columns.
— Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) February 24, 2020
Grateful to all the courageous victims -and the villages that supported them- for stepping up and sharing your painful experiences so #Weinstein would be held accountable.
You have inspired and made a difference in the lives of many.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@ananavarro) February 24, 2020
Weinstein's conviction will almost certainly be appealed. But he never would have been charged without 100+ women speaking out and substantial investigative and analytical journalism.
— Irin Carmon (@irin) February 24, 2020
Don’t forget- Harvey Weinstein faces four more charges in Los Angeles. This is just the beginning of holding him accountable. https://t.co/BY3nNxmwNt
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 24, 2020
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
