Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul, was sentenced in Manhattan to 15 years in prison Wednesday for a felony sex crime in another #MeToo reckoning.Weinstein’s sentencing for sexually assaulting one-time TV production assistant Miriam Haley followed a legal odyssey spanning more than six years.His 2020 conviction was overturned by New York's highest court.
A second jury found Weinstein guilty again at a retrial last year.Once among the most powerful figures in the entertainment industry, Weinstein was an Oscar-winning producer whose hits included "Shakespeare in Love," "Pulp Fiction" and "Chocolat." But his downfall came quickly after sexual assault allegations in 2017 set off the #MeToo movement.Weinstein, 74, is expected to appeal and maintains that he never raped or sexually assaulted anyone.He is now likely to remain behind bars well into his 80s.
Seated in a wheelchair, he was quickly moved out of the courtroom after the sentencing, while some of his accusers hugged and brushed away tears.JONATHAN TURLEY: WHEN JOURNALISTS WHINE ABOUT #METOO, THEY DON’T MEAN PLATNER, TOOHarvey Weinstein was sentenced to 15 years in prison in Manhattan after his conviction for sexually assaulting Miriam Haley.(Dean Moses/amNewYork via AP, Pool)Weinstein and his victim both spoke in courtWeinstein faced up to 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting Haley at his Manhattan apartment in 2006.
He has already served more than six years as his case cycled through the criminal justice system.Haley gave her account of the assault at two trials, and again addressed the court Wednesday."Having been sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein has had a devastating effect on my life and sense of security that may never go away.
Making the decision to speak up will have me looking over my shoulder for years to come," Haley said."It’s a life sentence for me," she added.Minutes later, Weinstein apologized while reiterating his innocence."Reflecting on all that has happened since 2...