Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction gets overturned; victims react, “This is unfair”

Thursday’s ruling overturning Harvey Weinstein’s New York rape conviction offers the one-time film mogul a chance at a new trial and raises questions about the admissibility of evidence in future sex crime cases, echoing the sentiments of advocacy groups and survivors alike.

Weinstein, 72, faced conviction for raping one woman and sexually assaulting another, with both providing testimony during the trial. However, a 4-3 majority of the New York Court of Appeals found fault with the trial judge’s decision to allow testimony from three additional women who alleged assault by Weinstein. This testimony, deemed as ‘prior bad acts,’ violated New York’s Molineux rule, which typically prohibits such evidence, ultimately leading to the overturning of Weinstein’s conviction.

Hollywood reacts to ruling overturning Harvey Weinstein’s conviction

In response to the ruling, actresses and Weinstein accusers expressed their disappointment and frustration. Rosanna Arquette, Ashley Judd, Mira Sorvino, and Katherine Kendall voiced their dismay, highlighting the impact on survivors and the importance of continuing to speak out against sexual predators.

“Harvey was rightfully convicted. It’s unfortunate that the court has overturned his conviction. As a survivor, I am beyond disappointed” – Rosanna Arquette, actress and Weinstein accuser, to The Hollywood Reporter.

“This is unfair to survivors. We live in our truth. We know what happened” – Ashley Judd, the first actress to come forward with allegations against Weinstein.

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A post shared by Ashley Judd (@ashley_judd)

“Horrified!… Since when don’t courts allow evidence of pattern of prior bad acts to be admitted? He’s a prolific serial predator who raped/harmed 200+women! Disgusted w/justice system skew towards predators not victims” – Mina Sorvino, actress and Weinstein accuser.

Horrified!Day after #DenimDay honoring sexual violence survivors,Harvey Weinstein’s conviction overturned,due partly to molyneux witnesses testifying to prior bad acts,like lioness Annabella Sciorra.Since when don’t courts allow evidence of pattern of prior bad acts to be… pic.twitter.com/yIoF6u76da

— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) April 25, 2024

“Woke up to this news. I feel more than ever how important it is to keep breaking silence about sexual predators, and to keep supporting victims as they speak out” – Katherine Kendall, actress and Weinstein accuser.

“They will never overturn who we are. Blessings to all who gave their all #spirit #courage #unity” – Rose McGowan, actress and Weinstein accuser.

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A post shared by Rose McGowan (@rosemcgowan)

Similarly, advocacy groups like the Silence Breakers condemned the decision as profoundly unjust. “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,” the group said.

Weinstein’s attorney opens up on the news

Weinstein’s attorney, Arthur Aidala lauded the decision while discussing with the New York Times, “Not just a victory for Mr Weinstein, but for every criminal defendant in the state of New York, and we compliment the court of appeals for upholding the most basic principles that a criminal defendant should have in a trial.”

As the legal proceedings continue, the overturned conviction reignites discussions about the complexities of prosecuting sexual assault cases, the challenges faced by survivors, and the broader implications for the justice system and the #MeToo movement. It underscores the ongoing struggle for accountability and the need for systemic changes to address issues of power, privilege, and exploitation.

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