A New York appeals court has overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, saying the judge should not have allowed other women to testify about alleged assaults that the movie mogul was not accused of in this particular case.
More than 100 women, including some of the world’s best-known actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct since 2017.
After his 2020 criminal trial in New York, a civil lawsuit awarded $17 million to dozens of other women who had accused Weinstein of abuse. In 2022, he was also convicted of rape in California and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Here are some reactions to Thursday’s decision:
Arthur Aidala, Weinstein’s defense attorney
“Today’s verdict is not just a victory for Harvey Weinstein, but a victory for every citizen of this country charged with a crime, and no matter how popular or unpopular they are, the court has loudly declared that everything is due to them.” Protections in our Constitution of the United States and our Constitution of the State of New York.”
Rosanna Arquette, actress and Weinstein accuser
“Harvey was rightly convicted. It is unfortunate that the court overturned his conviction. As a survivor, I am beyond disappointed.”
Jennifer Bonjean, Weinstein’s lawyer who is appealing his rape conviction in Los Angeles
“A jury in California was told that he had been convicted of rape in another state…It turns out he shouldn’t have been convicted, and it wasn’t a fair conviction. … It significantly affected his presumption of innocence in California.”
Tarana Burke, founder of the broader #MeToo movement
“Because the brave women in this case broke their silence, millions upon millions of others found the strength to come forward and do the same. That will always be victory. That doesn’t change anything. And the people who abuse their power and privilege to hurt and harm others will always be the villains. That doesn’t change anything.”
Elizabeth Fegan, lawyer for Weinstein accusers
“I am forever grateful to the LA District Attorney and the women who endured tremendous emotional pain reliving Weinstein’s sexual abuse in a second trial.
“Some thought the L.A. case was unnecessary given the New York verdict, but now we realize how important it was.”
Horrified! day after #DenimDay To honor survivors of sexual violence, Harvey Weinstein’s conviction was overturned, in part because Molyneux witnesses testified of past bad deeds, such as lioness Annabella Sciorra. Since when do courts not allow evidence of previous bad deeds… pic.twitter.com/yIoF6u76da
– Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) April 25, 2024
Lindsay Goldbrum, lawyer for Weinstein accusers
“Today’s verdict unfortunately casts a dark shadow over her courage and will undoubtedly deter future victims of sexual assault from coming forward.
“To all victims of sexual assault who will be re-traumatized by today’s verdict, I am so sorry.”
Jeff Herman, attorney for some of Weinstein’s accusers who have filed civil lawsuits
“The overturned conviction underscores the importance of civil litigation, which is sometimes the only means available to expose perpetrators and the institutions that enable them.
“Because of laws like the New York Child Victims Act, perpetrators continue to be exposed even without a criminal conviction.”
Anita Hill, Chair and President of the Hollywood Commission
“Today’s decision reinforces what we already know from our survey of over 13,000 entertainment workers. We have found that there is no progress in addressing the power imbalances that enable abuse and that sexual assault remains a pervasive problem.”
Ashley Judd, actress and one of Weinstein’s accusers
“This is an act of institutional betrayal today.”
Rose McGowan, actress and Weinstein accuser
“They will never upend us. Blessings to everyone who gave their best.”
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, one of Weinstein’s accusers in the Los Angeles case and wife of California governor
“This is a very sad day for countless women who suffered at the hands of a serial predator. Two juries have said unequivocally: Harvey Weinstein must never be able to rape another woman, and he deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Harvey Weinstein is a serial predator and rapist.
“Most men are good men – it’s the serial perpetrators of violence against women who are the harm to our society.”
Silence Breakers Group, representing women who accused Weinstein and others of sexual misconduct
“The news today is not only disheartening, but it’s profoundly unjust.
“But this ruling does not diminish the validity of our experiences or our truth; it’s merely a setback. The man found guilty continues to serve time in a California prison. When survivors everywhere broke their silence in 2017, the world changed. We continue to stand strong and advocate for that change. We will continue to fight for justice for survivors everywhere.”
Emily Tuttle, spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg
“We will do everything in our power to retry this case, and remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors of sexual assault.”
WTF! “The reversal of the conviction was determined by a SINGLE vote, by a majority female panel of judges, who in February held a searching public debate about the fairness of the trial.” –@jodikantor https://t.co/M1D4q7fNsz
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) April 25, 2024
Douglas Wigdor, lawyer for eight Weinstein accusers
“Today’s decision is a major step back in holding those accountable for acts of sexual violence. Courts routinely admit evidence of other uncharged acts where they assist juries in understanding issues concerning the intent, modus operandi or scheme of the defendant. The jury was instructed on the relevance of this testimony and overturning the verdict is tragic in that it will require the victims to endure yet another trial.”