Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of rape and two counts of sexual assault in a second abuse case in California. In the abuse case, there were a total of eleven charges against the 70-year-old former film producer.
Weinstein was one of the most powerful men in the film industry before he was accused of sexual assault in 2017. That first charge turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg, with many more following.
In an earlier case in New York, Weinstein had already been sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexual assault and rape. In California, Weinstein had to answer for sex crimes against four alleged victims. He was found guilty of rape and sexual assault of a woman. She was referred to as Jane Doe 1 during the trial to protect her anonymity.
Four of the charges against Weinstein had previously been dropped because one of the accusers failed to testify for unclear reasons. Weinstein was acquitted of one charge and juries failed to reach consensus in three cases.
Prosecutors called Weinstein a “predator” who used his clout in the film industry to lure women into meeting him and then sexually assault them.
Weinstein’s lawyers argue that all allegations are unsubstantiated and that all sexual contact was consensual. According to the lawyers, there is no evidence of rape or assault.
In 2020, Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault in New York City. He received a 23-year prison sentence. This might make the California case seem symbolic, but it’s not. The film’s producer can still appeal his conviction in New York. Therefore, the Los Angeles case in which Weinstein is asked for 140 years in prison remains important. Early next year the judge will hand down a sentence against the former film producer.
