Hollywood has reacted with shock to the news that the disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction has been overturned by a New York court.
The fallen movie mogul was sentenced to 23 years in 2020 for two sex crimes, a decision that a court of appeals has now called the result of an unfair trial.
Weinstein will remain imprisoned after also being convicted of rape in Los Angeles and sentenced to 16 years.
Ashley Judd, who was among the first to share her allegations against him, told the New York Times: “That is unfair to survivors. We still live in our truth. And we know what happened.” Later at a press conference, she added: “This is what it’s like to be a woman in America, living with male entitlement to our bodies.”
Rosanna Arquette, who also made accusations against Weinstein, said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter: “Harvey was rightfully convicted. It’s unfortunate that the court has overturned his conviction. As a survivor, I am beyond disappointed.”
Rose McGowan, who has accused Weinstein of raping her, said in a video statement: “No matter what they overturn, they cannot take away who we are and what we know, what we’ve gone through and what we can achieve in this life. We are not victims. We are people that were injured by evil.”
Katherine Kendall, who also accused Weinstein of harassment, said she was “flabbergasted”.
Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, who claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed her before stifling her career, posted that she was “horrified” and “disgusted” with a system of justice that skews towards “predators not victims”.
Actor, author and activist Amber Tamblyn has also called the decision “a loss to the entire community of women who put their lives and careers on the line to speak out”. Ellen Barkin, who claimed that Weinstein verbally abused her during production of 1992’s Into the West, has called the reversal an “outrage”.
Rosie Perez, who testified at the Weinstein trial to say her friend Annabella Sciorra told her she had been raped by him, shared the news on Twitter/X, adding: “WTF!”
Tarana Burke, credited as the founder of the #MeToo movement, said that “moments like this underscore why movements are necessary”.
A statement from Weinstein referred to his state as “cautiously excited” before later calling it “a great day for America”.
The outpouring of stories detailing alleged experiences with Weinstein kicked off the #MeToo movement in 2017, with over 80 women ultimately accusing him of various acts of sexual assault and harassment.
