Content warning: This article contains discussions of sexual violence and sexual assault.
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 16 more years in prison after being convicted of rape and sexual assault. Weinstein, the co-founder of Miramax, is known for producing films such as Pulp Fiction, The Producers, The Crying Game, and other prominent Hollywood productions. In 2017, Weinstein stepped down as co-chairman after multiple women came forward that he had allegedly sexually abused them for years. Weinstein is already serving a 23-year prison sentence for previous instances of sexual assault in the New York case.
After being found guilty of three charges in an LA court, Weinstein will spend an additional 16 years in prison for similar crimes, as CNN reports, after begging that the judge not sentence him to life in prison.
In addition to his 23-year sentence, 16 years will likely mean life behind bars for the 70-year-old malefactor.
A History Of The Harvey Weinstein Allegations
Weinstein's criminal actions came to light after The New York Times released an exposé in October 2017. His victims asserted that Weinstein had forced them to offer sexual favors in exchange for positions in his films and opportunities that would benefit their careers. The reports stretched back three decades and were a major catalyst for the #MeToo movement, which is still working to eliminate harassment in Hollywood.
While Weinstein apologized and began a leave of absence, he continued to deny the allegations. Shortly after, he was fired from his post as more reports about Weinstein's long history of sexual assault continued to emerge. Several months later, in May 2018, Weinstein turned himself in to the New York Police Department, where the police filed several charges against him, including a charge of rape and other forms of sexual misconduct.
Despite Weinstein's not-guilty plea, he was convicted in February 2020 for sexual assaults that took place in 2006 and 2013. More reports were continuing to emerge, and more charges were being filed. As more Hollywood stories become public about sexual misconduct, Weinstein's illegal and abhorrent behavior remains a shadow over Hollywood as the industry works to ensure that no other powerful figure can abuse their positions as Harvey Weinstein did.
Source: CNN, The New York Times