Harvey Weinstein Jailed for 23 years following his rape trial case: A fall from grace
Who is Harvey Weinstein?
Harvey Weinstein is an American former film producer and a convicted sex offender. Harvey and his brother Bob Weinstein co-founded the entertainment company Miramax, producing many successful independent films.
Why was Weinstein Jailed for 23 Years?
One of the most powerful figures in the Hollywood industry, Harvey Weinstein has been jailed and sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault.
Although there had been a series of allegations from several women against him since 2017, he had consistently denied wrongdoing and his lawyers appealed against his conviction. But, the case that convicted him was the first to make it to court.
Weinstein appeared to court in a wheelchair which gave insights that his health may be poor. His lawyers appealed for leniency, claiming that the minimum sentence of five years may be equated to a life sentence for Weinstein. The prosecution, however, argued that Weinstein served the maximum jail term given his lifetime of abuse towards women and lack of remorse towards his actions.
On Wednesday, 11th March, the 67-year-old addressed the court, saying he was deeply remorseful. Hours after he was sentenced, he was taken to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan with chest pains. He also had heart surgery after that.
What was Weinstein Convicted of?
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Weinstein faced criminal charges, for rape and assault, in Los Angeles and was found guilty in a trial in New York. He was found guilty of committing a first-degree criminal sexual act against production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006 and of third-degree rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013.
He was acquitted of the most serious charges by New York jurors, of predatory sexual assault which is equal to a longer jail term. There were six witnesses who testified against him during his trial sitting on Wednesday. He was sentenced and registered as a sex offender.
A List of Women who have Accused Harvey Weinstein of Sexual Assault
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The #MeToo movement has given women who have been sexually assaulted a platform to share their experiences and speak up. Although Weinstein’s case emerged after the movement, more than a hundred women had come out to say that they had been assaulted by Weinstein. Here is a list of women who had accused Weinstein of sexual assault;
- Alice Evans
- Amber Anderson
- Ambra Battilana Gutierrez
- Angelina Jolie
- Angie Everhart
- Ashley Judd
- Ashley Matthau
- Asia Argento
- Cara Delevingne
- Claire Forlani
- Cynthia Burr
- Dawn Dunning
- Emily Nestor
- Emma de Caunes
- Florence Darel
- Gwyneth Paltrow
- Jessica Barth
- Judith Godrèche
- Heather Graham
- Heather Kerr
- Hope Exiner D’Amore
- Kate Beckinsale
- Katherine Kendal
- Katya Mtsitouridze
- Laura Madden
- Lauren Holly
- Lauren Sivan
- Lauren O’Connor
- Léa Seydoux
- Lena Headey
- Liza Campbell
- Louisette Geiss
- Louise Godbold
- Lucia Evans
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Lysette Anthony
- Marisa Coughlan
- Melissa Sagemiller
- Minka Kelly
- Mira Sorvino
- Paula Wachowiak
- Paula Williams
- Romola Garai
- Rosanna Arquette
- Rose Mcgowan
- Sarah Ann Masse
- Sarah Polley
- Sarah Smith
- Sean Young
- Sophie Dix
- Tara Subkoff
- Tomi- Ann Roberts
- Trish Goff
- Vu Thu Phuong
- Zelda Perkins
- Zoe Brock
The Hollywood Pandemic
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Weinstein’s case shows that the coronavirus is not the only pandemic at large but also the case of sexual assault. This virus has been in the Hollywood industry for far too long. The Hollywood industry has been infested with sexual predators who hunt both upcoming and debut actresses as prey. It’s sad that such an industry that should make talent its trade by barter, has people who would rather trade sex.
Asides the Hollywood industry, women often fall prey to sexual predators in situations where the men have the upper line. Such situations include when they seek for job opportunities or are in need of financial assistance. This is why the Hollywood industry seems to harbor such kind of men because upcoming or award-winning actresses are in need of one role or the other to boost their career.
Some of these women are even ignorant of the times when they are being cornered or sold out as prey. The scenario is always painted with events such as private viewing, private dinner, private meetings, the keyword being PRIVATE. Women are advised to have good appearances that do not spell out seduction and also speak up on any sexual assaults so as to save other women.
Image Source: pixabay
It is sad that the public looks up to celebrities only to have them end up in one mess or the other. We admonish our celebrities to be good role models and have respect for human rights. The only thing worth of trade in Hollywood should be talent and not sex.
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