Harvey Weinstein Found Guilty Of Rape - But Is He Getting A Slap On The Wrist??

On Monday, the high profile trial of Harvey Weinstein finally came to an end as the jury returned with a verdict. Unfortunately for some alleged victims, it may not be the justice many were hoping for…

Weinstein was found guilty of rape in the third degree and criminal sexual acts in the first degree. Obviously that’s a huge deal. The movie mogul is now a convicted rapist, and that is a stain which will be on his name forever.

However…

The jury also found him not guilty on two counts of predatory sexual assault and one count of rape in the first degree. These were the counts which could have resulted in the harshest penalty, a life sentence behind bars.

The conviction, which came from the cases of Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann, is just the beginning. He also faces another trial in Los Angeles over the alleged sexual misconduct involving two women, one of whom is Lauren Marie Young.

As we previously reported, the movie producer’s career effectively ended with the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017 when DOZENS of women came forward with their horrifying stories and experiences with Weinstein. We heard horrific accusations of rape, harassment, and intimidation from Rose McGowan, Asia Argento, Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd, Daryl Hannah, and Annabella Sciorra — who even testified as a witness in the New York trial, recounting her own story in which she claimed Weinstein forced his way into her apartment and overpowered her.

The landmark trial had the jury deliberating for five days, and included testimony from several women to establish a pattern of behavior; however, Weinstein was only facing charges based on two accusers.

Haley, a former television production assistant, accused him of forcing oral sex on her at his Manhattan home in 2006. Weinstein was convicted for 3rd degree rape for the incident.

Mann, a former aspiring actress, claimed the producer raped her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. Her story was truly shocking and included a bizarre physical description in which she described Weinstein as “deformed” — lead the prosecution to show naked photos of the Hollywood powerhouse to jurors. Mann also admitted to engaging in a consensual relationship with Weinstein subsequently, something the defense highlighted. The jury of 7 men and 5 women ultimately acquitted on the count of 1st degree rape after a lengthy deliberation.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on the case as it moves to sentencing.

[Image via WENN]