How much time will he actually serve?
That will be the determining factor against which the severity of his crimes will actually be judged.
2
His fake use of that walker is an embarrassment:
No actual medical people gave him that walker, and certainly no one ever showed him how to use it. Ergo, he's faking it. Poorly.
So, off to Rikers. Good.
4
Convicted for the same reason Bernie Madoff was convicted. In both cases, Many of the victims were rich and influential. A number of them are household names. That we will punish. If the women were just normal middle class victims? Unlikely the case would even come to trial. No one is talking about this aspect of the case. It’s crucial.
1
New York Times’ “Morning Briefing” refers Weinstein as the “disgraced Hollywood producer” with a history of “sexual misconduct”. I guess the #MeToo movement has a ways to go.
3
I'm looking forward to Weinstein's Los Angeles trial. Let's hope that the limelight is turned on the hoards of 'professional' handlers - PR people, agents, managers, assistants, etc - who willingly, and with full knowledge of what Weinstein was up to, not just enabled but set up opportunities for Weinstein to continue perpetrating his assaults. And then those same handlers provided cover for Weinstein. The shameless rotten-to-the-core Hollywood publicity machine needs to be on full display so people get a better understanding of what is really behind all that glitz.
6
The hypocrisy of Hollywood really astounds me to put it mildly. So many of the metoo crowd are the same people who have gone on and on about how Roman Polanski is a great artist who is being persecuted. Never mind he pled guilty to Statutory rape, Sodomy and assorted other charges and then fled the country to avoid punishment. Look at the list of hollywood A-listers who have worked with this CONVICTED child rapist AFTER his conviction. The list include Harrison Ford, Ewan Mcgregor, Kate Winslet, Johnny Depp & Pierce Brosnan. So spare me the whole MEtoo means anything in Hollywood it obviously DOESN"T!!! or Stars would refuse to work with a convicted rapist instead of falling all over themselves to be in his movies. Calling it Hypocrisy is putting it mildly!
5
Weinstein is a horrible human being, but this was not rape. If so, then I know many women who have been “raped” in the service of advancing their careers.
1
Finally. Justice has been served. It is good to know this man is behind bars. The walker was no doubt theatrics by the Hollywood mogul to try and pull influence, yet again - just as scripted.
Money cannot buy your way out of jail when you are a sexual predator and there are tens of victims (if not hundreds). Weinstein abused his power to coerce these young actresses who were trying to get their foot in the door in the door in Hollywood.
Weinstein is part of the dark underbelly of Hollywood. Justice has been served. Thank you Mr. Vance.
4
This reckoning is an example that gives an immense amount of substance to the phrase “justice delayed is justice denied.”
The years - decades, even - of silence, as hundreds of people refused to speak up about what they knew about this predator (shame on them!) - make this verdict of little value to the women he preyed on during all that time.
Until (1) women’s accusations of sexual violence are met with SWIFT, fast-tracked justice, and (2) the conspiracies of silence among those who know what the predators are doing are replaced by people “of conscience” who speak up, the predators will continue to get away with ruining women’s lives.
We need something on the order of a powerful, ACLU-like organization women (and those “in the know”) can reach out to, that will listen to them, ACT on what they say, and convict monsters quickly.
4
This is where we are now. The truth is whatever ... Our president , his advisors, the Senate,
Facebook,Harvey Weinstein and on and
on...
1
“This verdict made it real for people watching from afar that you will be held accountable for your actions. You can’t take advantage of people just because you have power and money.”
Well...unless your name is Donald Trump or Brett Kavanaugh...
3
The man to the far right is carrying a book. So sitting in the courtroom was boring?
This verdict is one of several reasons Trump may not go quietly when he's defeated. There's women, prosecutors and a courtroom waiting for the day he becomes a private citizen again.
14
@Jaden Cy
I share your belief and your fear. He will not go quietly into the night, even if he loses by a landslide. The nation should be prepared for another Constitutional crisis come November if he loses, or I should write, WHEN he loses.
4
100% of men deny charges of sexual assault. That the jury believed these women indicates that some of those men--maybe many--are lying. So we shouldn't just take them at their word any more. A denial means nothing. And shame on any women who lie about sexual assault as well because it makes it harder for the real victims to be believed.
5
@Kathleen Statistics show that 95% of all sexual assault claims are valid while only 5% are not valid. 100% of men claim innocence.
4
@Kathleen Sure they do. But then, 100% of men (and women) accused of murder deny it. Ditto 100% of people accused of being typhoid carriers.
In other words, it is not only the guilty who deny guilt. It is also the innocent. It is a pathetic commentary on our times that now the protestation of innocence is itself evidence of unrepentant guilt.
1
The video at the top of the article provides a fascinating contrast.
Gloria Allred makes a wonderful, powerful statement about women which, as the father of a 20 year old daughter, makes my heart soar.
Mr. Weinstein's attorneys, on the other hand, sound mealy mouthed, pathetic, and sorry that they ever defended their client.
My wish is that the outcome of this trial ushers in a new era of respect for women. All fathers need to do is to teach their sons that women are to be treated with dignity and consideration. And fathers must DEMONSTRATE to their sons these qualities in their daily interaction with their wives. Its a tall order. I sleep easy knowing that I trained properly my own adult son.
13
Of course the parasitic defense attorneys vow to keep fighting, they will keep making money hand over fist until Weinstein is tapped out.
Production note: if you’re going to use a walker as a prop, get someone to show you how it’s really used.
7
The jury gave Weinstein a break on the predatory sex charge if 90 different women accusing him of something sexual were not enough for a conviction. Maybe now Women for Trump can put down their signs of support to allow prosecution of Trump for sexual crimes he has so far evaded while being president. Still waiting for him to sue those 16 women who accused him of sexual improprieties after he took office in 2017? You might as well read Waiting for Godot!
10
Good.
Now he can ditch the walker.
5
Couple of thoughts,keep an eye on Harvey,we don’t want a repeat of Epstein.Individual one know you have sentiment for people like Harvey,but forget the pardon,this one your people won’t forgive.
1
Yeah - he’s not innocent. Not at all.
1
We will see the light when we believe the 25 women about POTUS. Then we can talk about landmarks.
12
Weinstein is held in jail yet Stone remains free. How does that work?
6
The whole walker thing looks like an 85 year old mafia kingpin so cliche. Should have walked in like a regular citizen.
4
The stars/celebrities who have come from this cesspool of Hollywood glitter that produced Weinstein have allowed these behaviors and these same people continue their indirect and passive support of these behaviors today. Democrat politicians were happy to take the glitter money, rub shoulders with their ilk, and directly or indirectly support Hollywood’s immorality. It is time to stop turning a blind eye, and stop being bought by Hollywood - it is time to focus on Hollywood and cleaning up the sleaze.
8
@Scott K
Well its the same sleaze in every industry. The main male dancer in West Side Story was fired from the ballet company because he was circulating naked pictures of other ballet dancers without their consent. Now he is the lead dancer in West Side Story.
Trash just goes from one business to another business, at the end of the day Trump is still in office,Stone will walk along with the rest of these so called creative types who are in charge.
3
@Scott K Hollywood is only one symptom of a much larger problem of sexual assault of women by men with perceived "power" whether it is a boss, a father, a physician or a neighbor. It happens in all walks of life, at home and at work to female children, young girls and adult women. It also happens to boys as we watch what is going on with the Boy Scouts and in the Catholic Church. Thank goodness for those who are brave enough to speak up and pry open the coffers of truth.
2
They all say, "I'm innocent, I'm innocent." because, in a mind so twisted enough to rape, degrade, ignore the damage they inflict, they can also believe they are innocent.
8
There should be no statute of limitation on rape, no matter what type.
9
I wish we had also a movement like #MeToo to protect children against abuse, particularly sexual abuse, which is much more prevalent than the sexual abuse of women as children hardly remember and understand what happened..
8
Trump won’t be able to resist the urge to pardon him.
5
@Kurt
After he pardons him, Trump will probably offer him a cabinet position. Secretary of putting women in their place.
1
Hey, people, haven’t you read the comments that explain that Trump cannot pardon a person convicted of a state crime?!
You’re beating a dead horse!
1
Poor fellow. No one was beaten, restrained, or coerced - he simply offered his services for sex, which they agreed to voluntarily, or refused. It seems that people have completely forgotten what rape is. Those who are raped call the police and seek protection in court, rather than take the offer and go to the movies. Shame on these Actresses-that's how they bought their popularity.
10
@Man
I fail to understand how a person who claims rape can continue after that alleged transgression to a consensual sexual relationship. Women are not children, and shouldn't be treated as such. To some degree the side effect of the much needed but sometimes absurd conclusions of Me Too infantilizes grown women. Based on my own experiences of sexual assault as a 19 year old by a French fashion designer and an NYU law student, and later by a wealthy Central American playboy who felt entitled to everything he wanted, all of whom I ferociously and successfully fought off, I cannot imagine why a person would ever get back together with such a person except for naked ambition.
2
@Man Well, your handle and address kind of say it all, you are indeed a Man from Mars. I don't think anyone involved with the Weinstein case has "completely forgotten what rape is," including the women he raped, who also happen to be actresses, and who have already experienced plenty of shame, so really, no need to heap on any more. For the record, "those who are raped" (most often but not always women) quite frequently require many years to process what has happened to them, and are just as frequently dismissed and mistreated by police and the courts, hence their hesitation in coming forward with charges.
4
@Man You have the historically narrow perspective on rape - that of stranger rape. Try broadening your horizons to see the nuances that exist when it's someone you know, who signs your paycheck, who has the power to make or break your career. You men who will never experience this, simply cannot find a way to empathy or compassion. And what of the girls he chased around hotel rooms clad only in his bathrobe (I mean, EWWWWW GROSS!). Perhaps if that happened to you, you might feel differently. But it won't. So you can't with that male brain of yours.
4
We should not be surprised that trump will pardon Weinstein in due course. It would fit the pattern that he has already established to malign and weaken the justice system particularly when it comes the rule of law in dealing with sex crimes in high places, a realm of malfeasance with which he is
himself personally involved and complicit. Birds of a feather flock together.
State charges not federal, Trump can't pardon him.
1
Harvey was so used to getting his way with beautiful women , he had a sense of entitlement. Now that there is a guilty verdict against him, it is being reported that he is in shock.
this case is undoubtedly the tip of the iceberg. I suspect he took advantage of dozens of innocent women. He needs a long jail sentence.
2
The reason this horrible man is going away is the brave acts of the victims who came forward. Another reason this horrible man is going to jail is the talent of Assistant D.A. Joan Illuzzi-Orbon, who prosecuted the trial of the man who murdered Etan Patz. Joan is one of the nation's most heroic and talented prosecutors; she has such a passion and ability to get to the truth--and get results. In New York County we are very blessed to have prosecutors as talented as Joan Illuzzi-Orbon.
5
@Benjamin
So where was Vance years ago when the case was first brought to him? He didn't defend Mrs. Yang either when her doctor abused her. Now that there is a movement he wants us to forget that he didn't do anything till it was safe.
That is the reason nothing changes, the law only protects the rich. How about all those rape kites sitting in the police station that have never been tested
One person being convicted is like bringing sand to the beach, happy for the victims but this represents nothing for the average woman on the street
2
I wonder if this rabid hatred of Weinstein is because some people see parts of the story in their own lives. Women that got mixed up with dubious men, and don’t want to face the awful realities of who they theirselves are.
Some women avoid guys like Harvey Weinstein, very well. Others run towards them.
By seeing H.W. as the Devil incarnate, they are trying to proclaim their own innocence. Say that it wasn’t their fault that the awful marriage ended in divorce, when really it was, to some extent.
7
To all the ladies out there, the only thing that someone has in any circumstance if their self respect. One should never allow anyone to take it from you nor should you give it away.
By the same token, those that need to control you by sexual or other favors is a sure indication that they have little if any self respect of their own. The only tool they have is control used in whatever way convenient for them.
Weinstein is no different than Trump, Rose, Lauer, Cosby, Polanski, Ailes, Epstein and legions of others including their facilitators.
Even Weinstein's defense attorney is in an unenviable position whether she believes it or not. Defending one of these creeps brings not an ounce of nobility.
4
Thank you, New York Times! Citizens and readers now know more, by an order of magnitude, of the sordid sex life of Harvey Weinstein (i.e., everything, everyday) than I do of the activities and developments of the legislature of New York State as it wrestles with the major state governance issues of the day (i.e., nothing).
@T.E.Duggan The destruction of women's lives at the hands of a sexually predatory male abuser is every bit as vitally important as anything that might be going on in state governance -- whether in the courtroom or the media or just about anyplace apart from the minds of commentators, mostly men, who refuse to acknowledge same.
4
Finally. Justice. It's no longer a fiction existing only on tv with SVU and Olivia Benson. Karma lives.
6
The next step should be accountability of CEO's and boards of directors who lead to collapse of companies. Bad decisions, often related to ego and struggle for power lead to collapse of companies, thus influencing lives of thousands. Sexual abuse is no doubt the most ugly manifestation of abuse of power by powerful people - but for sure not the only one, and not the only one that should lead to punishment.
5
I saw Harvey, while getting a bite at The Waldorf, a dozen years ago. It was Tony weekend and he had, what appeared to be, a starlet with him. Have wondered many times in the last couple of years if she was a victim.
5
So, in order to convict on predatory rape, there needs to be (at least) a third rape victim. Now that he has been convicted of 2, does that mean that if he is convicted in California of rape - bringing the total to 3 (at least) - then he will also be convicted on predatory rape charges? Are the convictions considered on a cumulative basis across states, or is each state conviction considered separate from any other state convictions?
3
How sad to watch the demise of someone who had a gift for spotting talent. How sad to think that he abused that talent because of an illness that many saw—some turned away and even now, his declaration of 'But, I'm innocent' is supported by a legal team that doesn't have any idea of what it feels like to be in that world of getting the 'big break'.
'The Daily's article on Ms. Rotuno was a story of an ambitious lawyer, trying hard to legitimise Weinstein's actions by saying would never put herself in that position—hindsight is always 20/20.
When one listens to Ronan Farrow in his interview with Preet Bharara on 'Stay Tuned', well, this verdict seems justified.
9
Amazing how when these people who believe themselves above the law get brought Justice they suddenly find they are too ill to go to prison and need hospital. Doesn't the prison have a hospital wing??? Treat him like anyone else.
I am so impressed by the courage of the women - each one these helps all other women on a daily basis - as this kind of man , of which there are sadly too many, begin to learn there are real consequences to their behaviour.
25
The world is not a perfect place, but in Harvey Weinstein's case justice was served. I hope he spends the rest of his life in prison. Let's accept this as progress and thank the jury for seeing the truth.
24
A major delusion is going on here.
Weinstein is a fluke, in that he was so blatant, so frequent, and so well-known that he could not credibly lie his way out of being convicted, once there was a full-on campaign of revelations. In general, under a presumption of innocence legal system, she said versus he said prosecutions, especially years or decades later, are doomed to fail in most instances.
MeToo, etc. are failing massively to address the problem of sexual abuse, manipulation and abuse of power in the only really effective way: not through ex-post punishment and intimidation but through preemptive prevention (workplace and employment standards, rules, and sanctions, restrictions on alcohol on college campuses, and common sense but firm precautions for the vulnerable, better training, retraining and awareness in the general society, etc.). Punishment afterwards is lucrative for lawyers and the news media; it will not be a reliable solution for those at risk or for society generally without abandoning presumption of innocence and creating new victims and new problems. Deal with the problem at its source: Hollywood producers conducting job interviews or holding private meetings with young actresses in luxury penthouses should be absolutely not allowed and not tolerated.
18
@Sage i disagree - both approaches are necessary and can run simultaneously.
6
@Sage Where is your evidence that this is a 'fluke'?
@Sage Having been a victim of a man with power, I can tell you that there are sociopathic aspects of a man that preys on women in the Weinstein manner, and no amount of "preemptive prevention" will stop them. After 90+ accusations, Weinstein still sat there and declared his "innocence." The list of powerful men who do this goes on and on, as evidenced in a long article in "Glamour" magazine documenting them one by one. I am glad the only solution against Weinstein has been employed: to get him out of society so he cannot do this again.
2
Too bad a case like this cannot result in a verdict that says:
"Everybody's sure the defendant did it. We just don't have the evidence that distinguishes a crime from an allegation. No wonder. For generations, nobody took women's allegations seriously enough to investigate them.
"This Court so orders that all police and other investigatory bodies within its jurisdiction complete and file in 90 days a complete program to protect all accusers of all crimes, ensure public accountability in their internal processes, and communicate this program to all community members in a vigorous program of public outreach."
That way we redress our historic wrong without violating our sacred set of protections for the accused, no matter how many people testify otherwise.
4
We have what thousands of precious cases have: a jury that believes witnesses saying he’s guilty.
Power dynamics are real. Many commenters here seem not to get that. One Weinstein witness in this trial was pressed so hard by his defense team that the judge intervened. Reports stated she was heard screaming and crying.
Turned out she has a history of childhood sexual abuse. Not a surprise because so do about 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men. I should say (former) boys and girls. Military sexual trauma is rampant; like many women 30+ years ago I opted out of ROTC even though I needed a way to pay for my undergrad studies. I gave up a full merit-based STEM scholarship because the professors and students I dealt with were mysogynists. And cruel.
I was typically the only woman in any advanced math or engineering class. Professors often insisted I stand at the board and work out proofs and more, so I could be ogled by creeps basically.
28
@Huh
All true.
I don’t doubt that Harvey Weinstein was a bit of a cad when it came, and comes, to women. Does it rise to this level of antagonism? Many say ‘yes’.
@Steve Singer "A bit of a cad"? That's what we call a massive understatement. He was a predator. He clearly has some form of psychological illness, because anyone who could still believe he is "innocent" after sitting through all those agonized testimonials from his victims is suffering from clinical disassociation. I hope one day he can gain some perspective on his actions, and the repercussions of those actions, but I won't be holding my breath.
3
The consequences here are going to be interesting.
The most fundamental aspect of US Law is that you are innocent until proven guilty. The emergence of social media and a number of other factors has, however, begun to change this for certain crimes.
And now an allegation can be, in some ways, as damaging as a conviction. People can lose their jobs, even their lives, because of allegations. In this case the allegations were tantamount to a conviction in any case as there was 0 physical evidence.
As a consequence of this people are going to end up seeking to avoid even the possibility of an allegation. As an extreme example of this Vice President Pence refuses to meet with any woman privately, to simply altogether avoid even the potential for allegations of misconduct.
That's an extreme example but one that in, various manifestations, is already becoming much more common. In recent surveys higher level male managers are becoming dramatically less comfortable working with women.
It's somewhat paradoxical. In an effort to achieve social progress we're reinventing far more socially conservative times where a man would be reluctant to be seen alone with a woman, other than his wife, for fear of it impugning his character.
Things are always so much more complex than they seem on the surface.
18
Can Mr. Trump be brought up on STATE charges once he leaves the presidency?
Would be pretty cool that guys were held responsible for their arrogance without benefit of federal pardons.
13
@George If Trump gets re-elected, then most of those cases by women who could have accused him will have run past the statute of limitations. If Trump is NOT re-elected, and he becomes an ordinary citizen once again, then some of these women's cases will fall within the statute of limitations, provided they act immediately...and they must do so very quickly.
My father was a violent alcoholic who didn't work for more than 35 years. For me, studying hard was the ticket out of that environment. As a high school student and undergraduate, I slept about four hours per night in order to work nearly full-time in order to get scholarships and get into one of the toughest schools in the country for engineering.
I never so much as flirted with anyone--there wasn't time to think about anything but work and anyway, I was raised in an area where getting pregnant or getting involved with the wrong man meant a lifetime of struggle. And as someone who has more in common with Brienne of Tarth than with any of the beautiful women Harvey went after, I never expected to have problems with predatory behavior.
But at every single step--after-school jobs in high school, restaurant and cleaning jobs in college, dealing with high school and college professors for references to advance me to the next step, internships, field trips with my PhD advisor, conferences, interviews--there have been creeps who have needed to be placated (at best) or literally fought off.
My PhD advisor said plainly that if I didn't sleep with him, he'd fire me. When I supported another woman who reported the same thing, immediately my male coworkers, many of whom were friends, started saying without any evidence that we had slept our way to the top and were now trying to ruin a man's career. This was not that long ago.
Harvey is not an aberration.
80
@Ant -Congratulations I can totally identify with your post. For my 70th birthday I had a piece of jewellery made for myself and on I put my own words -
'Against this tide I have made my progress - I am proud of myself'.
Like you at every step of the way towards my final profession of Psychologist interference of a sexual nature was an added hurdle, without at any time drawing it to myself.
I am so proud of todays young women who are standing up for all of us.
9
I’m so sorry for what happened to you. Humans can be predatory among both genders. In grad school, my best friend’s wife was my boss. His wife wanted to have sex with me, and I declined. A few days later, she fired me from my job. She was a very high level university academic. Of course I never said anything that was the era 45 years ago.
6
@Ant
What is the problem? If your supervisor harasses you by threatening to fire you, how does this differ from a supervisor who demands to stay after work to finish it by threatening to get fired? In both cases, the dismissal is in his competence, and you have the right to agree, or leave yourself.
I find it especially annoying to watch Cy Vance jr.preening over the guilty verdict of Weinstein when he had him in his sights years ago but was bought off by Weinstein&Co.with a donation to his campaign.Deplorable.
34
@susan mccall
How American politics works. An extortion racket, and they get you anyway.
1
Watershed? Gimme a break. The one individual who most closely personifies Weinstein is, yes, in the White House. On a trajectory of getting re-elected. This is like listening to Bernie talking about universal health care. Lots of promise. Going nowhere.
#MeToo is about to meet #SorryThere’sAHundredOtherThingsGoingOnInMyLifeMoreImportantThanThis
16
@Rich r Exactly. I am NOT feeling positive that only one man has been convicted and not on all counts.
I have a lot of resentment towards voters who are slowly coming around to holding Harvey to account, but are responsible for putting a predator in the White House.
9
Me-too was a revolution! Also in Europe. A long time ago (1970) I wrote a story (was published). I had forgotten it
but my husband`s mother had kept it and I found it when she had died. My story was about men.... I wanted the women
to take over and put all men in a camp. There they could fight,
drink bear and play cards. We would take them home for a week and then put them back. No wars, no crimes.....
17
@Tarviata
Might be useful reading a book also published in 1970 or 1971--Esther Vilar's "The Manipulated Man" to gain a more nuanced perspective about this multi-faceted problem.
Probably should have also put Tarantino on trial as an accessory for his having protected Weinstein all these years.
7
And, Meryl Streep.
1
One thing struck me, when I read Ronan Farrow's book. These sexual predators are not sorry for what they have done. They are sorry they got caught. They are just incapable of registering in their heads the consequences of their actions on another human being. Weinstein will have plenty of time to think about that in his prison cell. I wonder what Matt Lauer is doing at this moment.
38
I really don't care.
The farm bill is far more important.
7
@Steve in Minnesota Yeah. Who doesn't love a good government bribe? It's way better than justice.
14
@Steve in Minnesota Don't expect other people to care about the farm bill then.
I grew up in a farming area. Predatory behavior is a major problem there. There are no women in positions of power there or in many rural areas, so there's simply no incentive to pursue allegations. As shocking as the Weinstein situation is, he is facing justice because enough of his victims have the means to bring him to justice and they are lucky enough not to be surrounded by people like you.
You can care about the farm bill and shut your eyes to everything else if you like. Attitudes like yours left me with a deep and abiding hatred and scorn for the rural world. And when people like me look at people like you and see hateful bigotry and ignorance, that's not a great situation for getting your farm needs supported. Might want to think about that.
31
@Steve in Minnesota -
Only if you care about political malfeasance is it (The Farm Bill) important.
1
Many have asked why women weren't protecting each other. Two women very early on signed non disclosure agreements. They refused offers of money.
They had to agree to speak with no one - not even each other, not even their families/doctors/therapists. There were very realistic threatening consequences for them if they broke the agreement. They agreed to protect other women.
The agreements on Weinstein's side were that Weinstein's behavior would be monitored and there were provisions for legal steps to provide warnings, report problems, rein him in - to protect other women. But they had no way of monitoring or enforcing these provisions.
One moved to Europe, so was away from it all. But recently she broke the agreement to speak out
4
I understand that rape is a crime of power so maybe I'm contradicting myself, but I've been with inebriated women, strangers in fact, who come home with me, and we get physical, but then they say no. While it's horribly uncomfortable, I have never forced myself upon one. Isn't sex supposed to be mutual and fun? So its very hard to understand how a man would want to force himself on a woman.
The last woman who came home with me, slept in my bed even, but refused sex said to me the next morning, 'thanks for not raping or killing me'.
35
What a great actor he is... slowly walking with the help of a device generally used by the elderly. This guy must have a team of people planning every moment when he is in the public eye. Ugly, fat, old, but with big money that can change many minds... Hopefully, he gets many years behind bars, what is appalling, is they he has a female lawyer...
37
There is one thing I will never understand.
When a person is convicted of a crime he becomes a criminal.
Why then does he deserve or even merit the term Mr ?
It should not be used. IMHO
His surname will suffice. Weinstein. He is no mister to be put with other decent honorable misters.
Failing that, call him prisoner number 123456.
Begone predator. Be forgotten too.
16
Because I've read so much about Weinsteins alleged behavior from dozens of women who were not involved with this trial, it seemed that the sexual predator behavior was par for the course for Mr W. I would have liked to see him found guilty of that charge.
I understand the jurors are basing the verdicts only on what evidence was presented, but still...
8
@Lil:
A proper legal system requires "basing the verdicts only on what evidence was presented."
Anything else, and you get conjecture and manipulation.
8
Susan Collins would have let him walk away because he’s already learned his lesson.
61
@Eric He would be high on her list for a Supreme Court seat.
17
@Eric
Because she aspirationally hopes he’s learned his lesson.
1
I read a comment during the trial by a man who bitterly excoriated the #Metoo movement for making life so difficult that men had to watch how they spoke and acted around their female co-workers,etc.
I selfishly thought, so now men have to watch their step? Temper their behaviour for fear of recrimination?
Welsome to my world. Women have been forced to behave this way since the dawn of time.
66
@IslandGirl:
So now, women and men are at war and afraid of each other. We've created a world where a small number of men hurt women. And a small number of women hurt men.
Is that helpful? Is that the world we want?
The truth is, very few men hurt women. And very few women hurt men. The ones who do, must be found, tried, and punished. They tend to be predators - both the men and women.
We need the courts to protect us, from dangerous predators, who tend to be men AND women. Making it so people are easily believed, when no evidence exists, does not help. It only shifts the monster. We need to get rid of all monsters.
We need better courts.
7
@Incredulous of 45 Very few men abuse women, but it seems like every man in a position of power is one of those very few.
10
IF only we could also prosecute ALL of the facilitators and enablers and cover-up-ers of this despicable creature called Harvey Weinstein.
In fact, every effort should be made to do so, or at least identify and expose these individuals before the public and their industry peers. And "Hollywood" should cooperate and lead the way. Movie goers, who keep them in business, SHOULD DEMAND IT.
16
@srwdm:
Let's start with Individual 1. He's been raping and abusing women and young girls, for most of his life.
We have to be vocal about putting him on trial!
17
@srwdm
"IF only we could also prosecute ALL of the facilitators and enablers and cover-up-ers of this despicable creature"
Yes; and include in that list women who spent years seeking out his vile companionship, professing love for him, and willingly having sex with him; all in exchange for access to a certain social circle and a supposed chance at being famous. The whole situation is disgusting from every angle.
4
@Teal Please read the comment above yours from Incredulous. Harvey Weinstein is the first powerful man to have been convicted for this kind of crime and here you are immediately calling for women to be blamed.
Did you really not understand what Incredulous was saying? How about we first deal with the actual predators??
Harvey has certainly had enablers, but many of them have been clear that they did not know the depth of his depravity, that like everyone else, they either assumed the women who were involved with him were willing or that they knew what he was after and were using him.
At any rate, women are NOT responsible for finding whatever way to navigate a world in which all the power lies with men like Harvey. Please think about your attitudes.
8
I think the prosecutors will regret on appeal getting the order allowing the women for whom no charges were involved to testify. A successful appeal would mean a re-trial without their evidence.
1
The article states there was no physical or forensic evidence and also that the victims kept a friendly relationship as well as a sexual one in certain cases. I’m all for women’s rights, but I’m concerned with the idea that someone can sit in prison for 25 years based off of an accusation. What type of evidence did the jury use to come up with their verdict, and what type of precedent does this set moving forward? Can anyone at any point accuse one of their past sexual partners of rape and that individual can then be sentenced to 25 years in prison without “forensic or physical evidence”?
15
Professionals who work with victims of sexual violence and sex trafficking, psychologists and advocates, know. Many men aren’t interested in learning what the evidence is that professionals who work in sexual violence and in abuse against women, men, and children use to determine credibility. Many articles have been written on the subject. Read some of them.
@John -
I’m too old and sick to care. He was a bully. And if he did not commit these crimes —and they are — he committed others as egregious and lamentable. And he probably bet on horses. And he’s a stinker in many other ways.
1
As some of the victims have mentioned—
The remarkable and indefatigable Ronan Farrow also needs to be applauded on this historic day of the imprisonment of the loathsome Harvey Weinstein.
35
Trump or no Trump, America has (finally) turned the corner on sexual assault. Harvey Weinstein is the epitome of arrogance and privilege that has objectified, abused and assaulted women and girls for decades. Thanks to the courage of many, many women, as well as the prosecutors who brought the case, that era is now over. My daughters—and their father—are ecstatic.
20
Following on from Jeffrey Epstein's conviction and sentencing, the verdict after Harvey Weinstein's trial seems appropriate.
In reality - both are woefully inadequate.
4
I am sorry, but as long as men like Donald Trump can avoid the consequences of their acts and such a large number of so called feeling and law abiding people are willing to cover for him we will not have achieved the full rebuke of misogyny in this country that is so needed to cleanse our country of its demons. We cluck our tongues at Harvey Weinstein, but has the abuse of women become normalized when we give Trump a pass. And if he wins another term will the statute of limitations hold?
19
I wonder about how our interpersonal relations with each other would be different if children from about age 7-18 were given lessons about and experience with proactive compassion.
If schools taught it.
Parents learned techniques about it.
Heavy on respect and standing in the others shoes.
Particular focus on how men should regard women in myriad settings.
A young, formative boy named Weinstein might have come out differently.
The issue and injury is so widespread.
The Times ran a heart wrenching article a couple of years ago about everyday sexual aggression in work settings of every kind.
From the factory to the office to the restaurant.
A cruel exposé which stunned and sickened me.
Men lording over women - vulnerable, who must work to live, with families - making lewd comments, unwanted touching, implied and overt expectations of women by bosses and co-workers.
It's a hidden, persistent, daily epidemic.
Why must this be!
We have to bring sanity back.
Educate the children.
Show them decency.
Victims coming forward if they can so society can be jolted into soul searching.
Messaging from society's prominent opinion shapers in all walks of life.
Perhaps more effective in moving us forward than high profile cases like this.
To paraphrase President Kennedy:
The road will not be easy, we will have setbacks, we may not see the full results in our lifetime…
"But, let us begin."
19
Right after Trump was elected Meryl Streep gave a big speech at an awards show, claiming Hollywood was pure as the driven snow. Maybe that’s true, if Weinstein is a one off. If he is, why do they keep making movies like “The Assistant”?
3
@Old Pueblo
Streep was cerebral and never came across as an "object".
The loathsome Weinstein would really have nothing to do with predating on her. [Neither would Dustin Hoffman, her costar in Kramer vs Kramer, for instance.]
4
A sliver of justice served in times where justice is scarce. To the brave women who testified, to the prosecution, and to the jury: a heartfelt Thank You. Any other verdict would have been intolerable.
23
Even amid this victory for justice, amid overwhelming evidence, it is sobering to read so many comments about how this was a war on sex, prejudiced, a political statement rather than real women finally having their day in court.
These entrenched attitudes is what women have to contend with all the time; it’s dismissed as he said, she said; it took place too long ago; if the woman is lucky to have survived with her life, if not her mental health (which will then be used against her). After all, millions of Americans (women included) looked the other way at Trump and decided he’d make a great, adulated president.
This hapoens in supposedly one of the most advanced countries in the world; in most others, women don’t even stand a chance, never mind make it to court.
24
@ML Very well said.
3
Not surprising but still gratifying to know our legal system still works.
9
@George
Only on trendy issues.
@George
Maybe. Sometimes. It can snare anybody.
1
He seems like a really bad guy and It appears that justice has been served..... One thing I don’t for the life of me understand (as a female in my early 40s who has had some unwanted sexual advances, though no outright assaults in my life) is the phenomena of the victims maintaining some degree of friendly-seeming contact with the perpetrator after the rape. Personally, I avoid like The Plague any person I’ve felt even threatened by; if I had been actually assaulted (physically or sexually or even verbally), I just cannot conceive of exchanging a friendly text or meeting up again etc with the perpetrator. I’d be interested in an NYT piece ( perhaps by psychiatrist?) explaining this phenomenon.
11
There would have been countless who walked away or protected themselves the way you did. For the predator, it’s always a number game- try enough times and you will catch a prey.
17
@GBR z I think one answer to your question is that Weinstein was a movie mogul who wielded much influence in the film industry. Unfortuntely, the women still needed him to give them an entry way into the ultra-competitive world of acting, so they probably felt they had to try to remain on friendly terms with him even after experiencing his demeaning, deviant behavior.
8
@John:
That's an overly simplistic view. Humans, human interactions, and human sexuality are each very complex areas.
Let's not "dumb it down."
For one, predators are both males and females. Their brains are functionally indistinguishable, and do not depend on their cis-sex. Female predators use other methods, since their body size/strength is often not an enabler.
Female predators tend to use psychological violence, while male predators use physical violence.
2
I'm so tired of this story. It sucks all the air out of the other news . I look for engineering news of plans to build and finance infrastructure so we might become a 'modern' country again as we were in the last century when we lead.
The US is now 3rd world, oh i know , we have more billionairs and corporate jets then anyone else, but we have a collapsed infrastructure.........roads, bridges, RR's , water treatment, solid waste plants, airport/city light rail etc.
I talk to young people who made their first trip to E and A , they come back and say 'we never realized we're so obsolete'
Who can get the motor started......Is there another Eisenhower or Kennedy out there to get it moving again.
16
@Steve Crouse - So sorry you’re tired, Steve. Women are tired of this story too, namely because we’ve been living it since the dawn of time. But I know there’s nothing quite like male fatigue. So be strong, Steve. I’m sure that, one day soon, all of this will be over for you and you will be able to concentrate on engineering news and American infrastructure. Women in engineering want to concentrate on that stuff too, but can’t always do so because some of them are being harassed and abused by their bosses and colleagues. But stay the course, Steve. Weinstein’s going to prison, so your days of fatigue regarding his court case are almost over. Women’s fatigue about him and other abusers - well, that’s still ongoing but hey, as long as you can build a bridge, right?
3
But he is a world record lie merchant. So his claims are without substance.
@Lindsay K
I think you object to me not expressing outrage here with Weinstein as is expected and deserved and is mirrored by you and many others.
He is a monster, the legal social systems didn't work to protect his victims. I get it.
I was objecting to media in general, not just NYT's in the endless reports of his criminal acts instead of reporting more on examples of how we as a country are collapsing industrially.
I was screaming too.
Given that the jury couldn't find on two counts, one must wonder if the prosecution overcharged going in? Obviously his defense created enough doubt to get two charges thrown out by the jury. Why aren't we being critical of the prosecution in this case?
2
@JUHallCLU
Bet on it. Prosecution is its own reward.
I had an experience that by today's standards would be considered sexual assault, at age 23, with a man about 65.
I worked it out in my own growth process, and continued in a minimal and nonsexual relationship with him till the end of his life.
So I understand that part. But once I had done my spiritual work, healed and forgiven him, there was no way I was going to bring him down or accuse him of anything.
I did tell the story in the Daily News. But I did not name him. My intent was to open the way for male survivors to speak up. The Me Too movement has at times been extremely harsh on those who advocate for male survivors and those falsely accused.
I paid a price for speaking out, but I still would do it again.
In these comments I have read a good few generalizations about men. That's not what this is about, and I consider the generalizations offensive and tone deaf. Individuals are individuals. No woman wants to be judged based on the actions of another woman.
https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/men-preyed-sexually-article-1.3588850
https://planetwaves.net/game/
4
FACT:
Many women stood by and watched this abuse go on with impunity.
They know who they are.
16
@Jocelyn H - the civil liability here would unravel like Enron. so many people and organizations involved. truly staggering in dimension and scale - so much money riding on him and his ventures. everyone was on the take.
2
This is how it should be: trial in the court of law not trial in the court of public opinion.
10
Justice prevails. Hope he enjoys his stay in the slammer. I grew up with a younger sister, with whom (after a certain period) I've always felt very protective off. And that has applied to all the women in my life since I've matured. I love to read stories where the predator gets his (in this case) due.
12
I'll be really impressed with the MeToo movement, when they take down Donald Trump, but at the moment, they seem focused on a pogrom of sorts...
Harvey Weinstein
Al Franken
Woody Allen
Roman Polanski.
14
@Simon Taylor
Just wait till the creature who calls himself Trump is out of office.
[And let's hope Polanski gets his comeuppance before he dies. The big coward is of course afraid to set foot in the United States, and continues as an abuser and predator in France.]
2
@Simon Taylor what about Bill Cosby? None of the others you have named served time, Polanski pled guilty and fled before sentencing.
1
@Joanne M You are mistaken, or anyway leave out relevant facts. Polanski pleaded guilty as part of a legal agreement, overseen by Judge Rittenband, between the legal parties (accuser and accused). Polanski underwent the punishment as agreed upon by the accuser. He went to a locked institution for 48 days, he underwent psychiatric evaluation (result: no paedophile, no predator), then was let go. Yet the corrupt Judge reneged on the agreement he oversaw, and suddenly decided he would put Polanski in jail for a much longer time. Reason? He did not like Polanski, and he did not trust Polanski. Those are not valid reasons to cancel a legal agreement. This is why Polanski fled the US. His accuser did not want the Judge to renege; nor does she want Polanski to be prosecuted any longer. Think of this what you will, but to claim that Polanski simply 'fled before sentencing' hurts the truth.
2
But, he’s suffered so much already.....
5
At least he was convicted and will go to prison. There's still the better case against him in CA as well. It's hard to come forward but I applaud all who can, bc the vast majority of rapists are serial predators that need to be in prison.
25
Wow! All I can say is Hooray! Hooray for all HW's victims who stood up! Hooray for all the journalists who swam upstream to expose these crimes! Hooray for the prosecutors! Hooray for #MeToo! Hooray for women, and for history!
It has been difficult to read the news lately, but this is a respite in the onslaught of bad news for humanity.
I hope the brave women who stood up against this Goliath feel a sense of peace and serenity now. And my heart goes out to earlier victims who have been denied justice from assaults by other Goliaths.
26
It’s going to take more than a few lawsuits to deconstruct the attitudes and behavior of men toward women that have been honed and reinforced throughout human history.
18
Wasn’t a lawsuit. Was a criminal proceeding.
7
Generalize much? I can only take responsibility for my own actions over the past few decades, not the 150,000 years or so of "human history," as you put it.
4
@Denis
Very true. A show trial in America.
I hope that at some point, we'll also hear more about the women who were able to turn Weinstein down, and managed to physically escape from him.
I've heard he destroyed their careers at his company, and persuaded others in the industry to shun them.
I hope this one trial won't be treated as having solved the problem. There is a lot more to talk about. I do not want to turn away from that conversation.
23
This is encouraging. I know I and my colleagues are still too afraid to come forward and pursue charges against a former employee who raped and assaulted us. We want to prevent him from continuing to harm others, but without hard evidence, it feels so risky to expose ourselves. Maybe some day.
25
@Beth
If you have the means, please consult with an attorney. At least find out what you could do, and what's likely to happen if you come forward.
5
@Beth
"Without hard evidence! You are claiming that multiple people have credible accounts of rapes, and presumably there are no glaring contradictions like asking the guy out over and over after the attack. What are you waiting for? Life isn't always easy but this is a character check for you.
3
I followed this trial extremely closely and thought he would be acquitted. I was wrong.
I really admire this jury for tackling such a tough case.
29
He’s probably gonna get 5 yrs and be out in 3. Don’t be surprised.
10
As someone who used to work in the industry, since the ‘90’s I’ve known Weinstein to be a violent bully, with men as well as women.
27
@Cassandra maybe the favor can be repaid to him with some hard time.
7
How dare you declare that the jury doubted Sciorra’s account. As reported the jury did not speak, are you mind readers???
10
@DJM
but didn't the jury say Not Guilty on the specific counts that she gave evidence on (being a sexual predator)?
4
Remarkable to me how few find it problematic that the commentary around these verdicts focuses on the social movement "MeToo" rather than the legal merit of them, especially given the troubling fact sets of the specific allegations. It almost seems that the desire to make a political "score" trumps the question of bona fide guilt detrmination beyond as reasonable doubt.
Indeed, to the extent that this was in fact a vindication of MeToo-ism, it seems ipso facto a prejudiced trial.
12
@kevin Except he was found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, on only some of the charged offenses.
That the system vindicated the movement is secondary to the fact that it functioned as it should.
8
@kevin You stated this more kindly than I would have.
1
@kevin
I agree that this case was not easy. But consent has to be freely given before a sexual act, and the victims testified it was not.
Do you believe that a rape victim would never, literally never, maintain a relationship with her assailant? The jury believed that it was possible for a victim to maintain a relationship, and to cover up what happened to her.
It's also true that a predatory type knows how to pick a vulnerable victim. He goes after someone who is not likely to report him, and who will be disbelieved if she does.
I think this case was decided on the evidence and not by #metoo, and that the jury was astute in evaluating the evidence on its own merits. But I wonder if the case would have been prosecuted without #metoo.
8
So many armchair jurors claim that these women couldn’t possibly be telling the truth because they interacted with Weinstein after he perpetrated the assaults. For this reason, this verdict feels so very personal to me. During college, I was raped by my ex-boyfriend shortly after I broke up with him. We were sober. It was late afternoon. I repeatedly told him no, and he held me down by my wrists while I cried. He weighed 240 pounds to my 145. I felt suffocated, panicked.
After, as I came to terms with what had just happened, the word “rape” came to mind. I literally asked myself, “was I just raped?” and thought, “yes.” But all of the “what ifs” also came to mind. What if no one believed me? What if the police didn’t take it seriously? What if reliving it was too much? I had already dealt with the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, and I felt fragile.
I couldn’t bear the reality that someone I had cared for so deeply was capable of this. So for years I rewrote the internal dialogue. I doubted myself. I got back together with my rapist, even moved in with him. It didn’t last, but long after it ended, I buried it. I buried it until, as a judicial law clerk, I watched on tv as Dr. Ford told her story at the Kavanaugh hearing. The dam I built broke, and I couldn’t bear it any longer. I finally told my fiance and friends, and I grieved.
Being an armchair juror or psychologist is easy. Confronting the truth, and speaking it, are excruciatingly difficult.
134
@Rebecca , Very well stated, and I am so sorry. It happens like this so very often.
24
My heartfelt empathy for what happened to you.
4
you forgot to tell us , what the charges were, (code sections), which ones he won, and which ones he lost. And the sentence guidelines for the ones he lost.
in other words, you forgot to tell us what happened today!
23
@smithe Completely agree.
2
Our current president has been accused of the same crimes. There he is, beyond the reach of the law while he holds office. What happens when he loses in November?
19
@Jeff Ghat is why he all declare a set of emergency or martial law. Just because he loses there is no barr to staying on as president. It is a very low barr.
2
I hope this is a pivotal point but also temporary and leading to inevitable and permanent improvement.
Let's compare some reporting in just this article.
"violently raped her even as she kicked and punched him."
"I think I was raped"
Criminal justice just can't reliably hang on this.
If he had done it only once or twice, would he have been convicted?
We need victims to feel confident to speak out both forthrightly and immediately.
Hopefully this is more likely to happen now.
It needs to.
5
Bill O'Reilly and Matt Lauer ought to consider themselves very very lucky they only lost their jobs.
43
and yet we have a president who boasts about sexually assaulting woman.
51
@Harris silver:
So why has this predator in the White House been let off the hook?
Where's the outrage?
Why do so many ignore the sexual crimes of this parasite who boasted on the Access Hollywood tapes?
19
@Harris silver
I was thinking the same thing! The ability of people to stand by him despite the incorrigible behavior he exhibits toward women and minorities! I would love to see him prosecuted for the assaults against women he has committed.
7
@Incredulous of 45 he is hiding behind Barr and the whole GOP senate except for Romney
4
Boy, am I gonna get in trouble with readers for this comment, but anyway. Sure seems like Weinstein is a coercive sleazebag who deserves the punishment he is going to get because of his behavior generally. But he was convicted of raping two women in particular. I am uneasy with the idea that these particular two women kept up their relationships with him, even tried to expand those relationships, and even had further admittedly voluntary sex with him, after the incidents of which they complain. Sure looks like they had deeply mixed feelings about what was going on. I keep thinking that if he had gotten them starring roles in some movie, they would be praising him rather than accusing him. I don't think I could find beyond a reasonable doubt that they did not consent to his advances, and only later decided that they had been raped.
30
Neil, first, you are male. Second, you probably have not been sexually assaulted. Thirdly, you are not comprehending the aftermath mentally of being assaulted and/or raped. You knew this was coming.
30
@Lynn
Woman who have no other resort have stayed with abusive men even being raped & beaten by them it's as old a horror as mankind and they are to scared to press charges or leave ,as they will then have zero "companionship " and no home .
Just ask any cop.
4
@Carlyle T.
These women lived literally across the country and went out of their way to maintain relationships with Harvey. It's okay to admit that these particular cases were very likely false accusations out of spite.
2
Metwo counts convicted.
1
Is there any woman in The US who would engage in consensual sexual acts with Harvey Weinstein?
17
@Lost In A Red State
Only over my dead body. The man is extremely repulsive.
9
The verdict is in and one thing remains unchanged, all women are happy when Harvey doesn't get off... Well maybe not all women, as I'm unsure about Donna Rotunno.
4
Weinstein just needs to make a donation and say something good about trump and he’ll get a reduced sentence followed by a pardon, with all of con-media praising him as an leading entrepreneur whom the feminist liberal deep state want to attack - Susan colins will even come out and say she thinks he’s learned a valuable lesson.
27
Is anyone going to address the biological drive men have to court women in a sexual way? Could we, for a second, listen to primatologists about how our closest male cousins, the chimps, court females in a sexual way to gain perspective and to try and compare biological sexual-courtship behaviors vs. locally learned sexual-courtship behaviors? Listening to women share their #metoo stories has been heartbreaking, and this story in particular highlights bad and immoral sexual-courtship behaviors. I am happy the US justice system worked in this case and the jury could define bad sexual-courtship behaviors, and stop a man from continuing to hurt women in this way. But, now that we have some ideas of what bad sexual-courtship behaviors are, what are some ideas of good and healthy ones?
- Confused KK
5
Our nearest primate relatives do a lot of things humans do not do.
Somehow, the majority of human men manage to flirt with women without sexually assaulting them. Raping women is not men’s biological destiny.
31
@KK Weinstein was not "courting" his victims. He was married. He was using his power to control them.
An idea of good and healthy sexual relationships is centered around mutual consent and respect, not control.
34
We are humans. Step up.
You want to justify acting like an animal you deserve to be treated like one. And in this case thrown in prison and locked up.
The actions of animals doesn't justify ours.
7
Take a good look at Weinstein in his Rollator walker. I had one just like that (but red) after lung surgery.
The hand rails are adjustable. Looking at Weinstein in the pictures you can see that one is set higher than the other, and both are too low for normal use. They are basically set at the sympathy position - poor old man can even stand up properly.
After all jury verdicts (let's add California) are in he'll be able to have it properly adjusted and poor old Harvey will be able to stand up straight and walk like a man as he heads straight into Prison.
39
Oh man, do I ever have thoughts on the “theatre of the walker”. At first the convicted rapist had the $19.99 special that was used to struggle up the three steps, never mind that building is ADA compliant. He now has the snazzy fancy walker that Medicare absolutely refuses to cover for any senior who might benefit. Unfortunately, from parental experience, I know that walkers are fitted to the heights and size of each user. Great catch on the manipulation of the handle height and position.
15
@Ken He had recent back surgery after a motor vehicle accident that has left him unable to stand up straight, and in pain. I understand that the walker seems like a stunt and I am definitely no HW supporter, but you are speaking from a position of ignorance to his medical condition.
@Midwest
It also seemed to me that was the wrong type of walker for a back injured person ,too low and had wheels he also took the stairs although our court has handicapped entrances, it looked worse that way...yes a prop, also recent video of this man shopping in a target store showed him w/o that walker.
4
One of the low-profile villains in this case is New York District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. He strikes me as the quintessential opportunist, a man who unjustifiably prosecuted Chinatown's Abacus Federal Savings Bank, a man who declined to prosecute Harvey Weinstein when first notified of Weinstein's crimes, but a man who who now wants credit for convicting Weinstein. Watch the video of his press conference today and you'll see what I mean. Vance is the stereotypical political opportunist, the kind of "public servant" the public can well do without.
28
@Kim
Yes, no, maybe.
Can you, or I, be accused of doing something very bad — anything — at a later date?
Very much so.
Out of the blue?
By someone you barely knew or interacted with?
This situation sounds like a “yes”.
He had a bad word-of-mouth reputation. I know about it because I heard how he behaved with many others. And I don’t doubt for a moment that he was an unpleasant man to be around. But his unpleasantness isn’t what’s on trial here. Had he been more genteel and circumspect would the case have even gone to trial? The truly clever ones fly well under the radar.
A woman accuses a man of violently raping her but willingly sleeps with him for many months afterwards? That alone doesn’t compute for me.
I’m a Hollywood brat and refugee, by-the-way. I grew up in it, so little in this situation surprises me. As for producers, in general they’re cads.
The social pressure is what?
Comes from where?
It’s all about dollars. And career arcs.
It’s all about getting and keeping a green light on for your breakthrough vehicle in a red light town. Everybody says no. That’s their job. ''No, you can’t''... , is ingrained, along with many frustrations, disappointments and crushed dreams. It isn’t what it seems, why it’s called Tinseltown.
Power People tend to be nasty. Mercurial. Difficult to work with. Duplicitous. They got there by some means, fair or foul. I heard that he was a pushy bully. Par for the course, in that line of work.
From 5-29 years ? Why the huge spread ? Just make it 15 years in solitary confinement in a postage stamp sized room without sunlight. Let him ruminate on the misogynist culture he helped propagate in the film industry.
20
@Plato Solitary confinement is too good for him. General population is what will show him the error of his ways..
5
@Beyond Concerned; thank you so much for your very heartfelt comment. If only more men could see that their old idea of male behavior toward women is antique, demeaning and abusive and we have had enough.
15
"I better use some Tic Tacs just in case I start kissing her. You know, I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything."
I hope one day all men who assault women will join Harvey behind bars.
60
@mjc True, but many men in other comments are manfully rallying to the defence of the defendant and the masculine gender, without being there to hear or examine the evidence. I have not seen it in detail myself but I would tend to believe people following protocols in an institutional process over fellows merely guessing
7
I look at images of him and think, he is only 2 years older than me. I am 65, but he looks like a dirty old man.
I guess what you see is what you get.
14
A subtle matter, but important to me. The so-called rape charge was actually a non-consensual sex charge, where force was not involved. It carries a maximum sentence of four years. The more serious charge is the sex act charge, because force was involved. That carries a 25 year maximum even though it did not involve rape.
I had to do some digging to figure out that there was no forcible rape conviction. The offenses are indeed serious. But I believe the article suggests (without explicitly stating) that there was a forcible rape, and is therefore misleading. You may disagree.
11
As a young woman in the work force I was harassed by some men while on the job, I’m not a flirt, dress modestly but it’s amazing how many times woman are blamed for the bad behavior of men! Sad to say my own mother was one of those judge-mental woman, who always claimed that most woman asked for it! I won’t even go into what kind of man my older brother turned out! I haven’t seen him for years and I hope he finally ends up going to jail!
25
@Pat:
You've blamed so many around you.
Yes, the world does have unstable - even dangerous - men (And unstable dangerous women).
However first, before blaming anyone, make sure you're not one of them.
1
Partial justice is better than no justice. I wished for a guilty on all counts, but it was an uphill battle proving all the charges. The defense did an excellent job despite Weinstein's monster team going on the offensive from day 1. Let's hope this sets a forceful precedent and opens the door to prosecute all the other guilty men who deserve it, as well as justice for all the women who were violated.
19
A split verdict is not ‘partial justice’. You insult the jurors and the judge with that comment. They serve the system and the law. The results is the justice.
7
@Suburban Cowboy Sorry....in this case it is partial justice.
4
Told ya. Done and Done. Let's see? Bill Cosby. Jail. Jeffery Epstein, went to jail, died. Now Harvey Weinstein who people in the industry have known since 1984 that he was a "groper"...read Sidney Lumet's book MAKING MOVIES and do thee research as who Mr. Lumet was talking about. So, Bob Mueller showed us, "You can't indict a sitting President". But, I am betting this train is speeding up and not slowing down. In fact, a powerful man just took a fall for his convictions. As a child, I saw my mother raped. It never is erased (she died in 1990). A nice day for the fallen
35
@HOUDINI I am very sorry to read about what your Mom endured and what you, as a child, had to witness. Memories never to be extinguished. Heartbreaking.
15
@HOUDINI:
Thank you for your piercing comment. "Men" such as Weinstein and his ilk are in no proper sense of the word "men." The term "Monster" is rather more apropos, that l but that term is rather too generic, as it doesn't address the utterly degenerative toxicity and lethal narcissism that defines human predators that is so perfectly epitomized in the likes of this "man".
Genuine, honorable men strive to applaud and support women to fulfill themselves, and protect them from the sick, loathsome nature's aberrations that epitomize this Hollywood mogul.
Weinstein should never again see the outside of a jail cell.
14
@HOUDINI
So sorry to hear what happened to your mother, and it must have been horrible that you saw it happen.
You sound like a living and caring son. I’m sure your mother was grateful for your support.
7
Very pleased he was convicted, if only on lesser charges, but what about 1st Degree Felony Rape?
Seems a clear guilty verdict but he skirts it. So he'll get ... two years in a minimum security country club setting and be out in 15 months or less. Justice in America.
7
@JL
We don’t know what sentence Weinstein will receive, but I doubt he will be out in 15 months or less. The case has been too high profile for him to get a light sentence.
2
Weinstein is now in custody after his conviction. Will DA Cy Vance be announcing the indictment of Matt Lauer or is he looking to be a guest legal analyst on NBC after his term of office ends? Will some intrepid reporter even dare ask the question?
13
Is Lauer alleged to have conducted illegal acts in Manhattan ? If not, it is NOT Vance’s jurisdiction.
7
@Charlie in NY
I was appalled by Lauer’s behavior that was detailed in Ronan Farrow’s book. But I don’t remember a groundswell of support for her case.
I also would be very surprised if Lauer (and Charley Rose) ever work in broadcasting again. They seem to be pretty much shunned by their former peers and fans.
@Banjokatt:
This shows is a serious problem, one due to our weakened educational system: Farrow's book did not detail "Lauer's behavior". It detailed ==alleged== behaviors.
Anyone who cannot differentiate between the two does not understand our judicial system, and should not be a juror. It is our civic duty to know, that people must be seen as and treated as if they are innocent, until actually proven guilty.
Thus people can neither defend nor implicate Matt Lauer, since we have no confirmed evidence.
A book or its contents is not proof, even if written by a top investigative journalist (and who knows if Ronan Farrow qualifies as one).
1
Gratitude to all those who took time to post to condemn Weinstein's behavior and all those like him …. gratitude to all those who took time to post and show empathy for the victims of sexual crimes. No need for me to read what he or his lawyers have to say as I could not care less!
12
According to the reports in the NY Times, both of the accusers, Ms Haley and Ms Mann, indicated they had consensual sex with Mr Weinstein after the alleged attacks.
Mr Weinstein is a vile person. But the willingness of these two women to further their careers after the alleged attacks brings into question the veracity of the accusers' testimonies and that of the accused. In other words, a he said-she said circumstance without tangible evidence.
From my perspective, there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Had these women immediately terminated further contact with Mr Weinstein after the alleged attacks, they would have had a more persuasive case. But career women who have sex with their supervisors, while dangerous and drawing suspicion, could also be that such women intended a legal settlement in their favor because their relations with the supervisor had not gone the way they had wanted.
In other words, women who choose to date their supervisors can subsequently and freely accuse them of sexual abuse, regardless of what had actually occurred, without substantive evidence, and expect a conviction or a substantial monetary settlement in their favor. Is that just?
22
@Victor Mark
Here is the casting couch. You have a mortgage do you? Wanna pay your mortgage? Yes that incident the other day was wrong. But you have done it now, why not do it a little more harmoniously tonight... sorry about the other day but you do want to pay that mortgage don't you? Sure this is a power imbalance and the wife at home is none the wiser, but you really need somewhere to live don't you? One more time tonight won't be so bad. The health risk has been taken... see no symptoms. Its OK.
Thats a girl... now you are being sensible. I am not that repulsive am I? I mean a shortfall on your mortgage would be uglier than me. Now we're talking. That unfortunate incident the other day didn't happen now did it?
Is that just, Victor? Not to me it isn't.
30
@Victor Mark The fact that they stayed in contact with Weinstein, or in your other examples, when women 'date' their supervisors, has nothing to do with his sex charges. Dating someone does not cancel it out and further engaging with them does not either. Stop trying to find excuses.
19
@Victor Mark well said. In my view the women should take some responsibility. If Weinstein was a janitor they would have never allowed him to do what he did. But there was something in it for them.
9
I am glad this is over and now will be relegated to pages the story deserves.
I have hardly followed this trial or for that matter this affair.
But I noted a comment below questioning defense tactics – in not calling a single woman – on behalf of their client to offer a positive testimony – if there are such women.
Finally, this quote caught my attention:
”...“Harvey Weinstein is a vicious sexual predator” who has “used his power to trick, assault and humiliate his victims,” Mr. Vance said. ...”
And Mr. Vance is a district attorney who sat in on the trial every day as the story tells us..
He must have missed the jury verdict session as they precisely not just deadlocked but acquitted the defendant.
2
The problem is that there is no way this guy got a fair jury. He was eviscerated in the media. I’m not a Harvey fan but this jury was under public pressure to convict via the #MeToo movement and they knew it. No physical evidence whatsoever. That’s scary.
9
@Mike L
You don't know that. Courts of law tend to be very exacting and punctilious about legal evidence. If physical evidence were always required many predators could never ever be convicted. Circumstantial evidence of an adequate nature is often used to convict in all sorts of crimes. You are speculating.
You don't know the extent of public pressure on the jury, if any.
You know what is really scary? Women getting raped while working. It is hard to believe that similar allegations could not have been made by many women. One cannot prosecute or convict on rumour, but your speculation about public pressure also provides no physical evidence and is thus merely a rumour itself.
11
@Mike L I'll take the jury's word over some random commenter who knows little about the case compared to what the jury has heard.
9
Cadet "Sharpie" Bone Spurs paying close attention. Desperate to grab more headlines. Entirely possible that he will issue a pardon. Watch for tweets. Actually, do not think he can pardon for a non Federal conviction. But, who knows. Scheming continues.
6
If Weinstein denies it repeatedly and calls it a witch hunt could he possibly be exonerated? He denies it very strongly after all. I don't know why he would do it. He denies it strongly. He strongly denies it. He denied it with real strength. It was a very strong denial.
This could after all be very unfair.
Would it help Mr Weinstein to complain (strongly) about the jury?
The judge? The media?
Perhaps the sentencing guidelines should be looked at. William Barr, where are you? This could be a hoax... another hoax. This is very unfair. He denied it strongly; even more strongly than Cosby.
I am trying to think of someone else who has strongly denied similar allegations from other (possibly lying) multiple women who could be gold diggers going through death threats to get money.
Now let me think... who else is strongly denying similar fake hoaxes... sorry it has slipped my mind.
31
@Bob Guthrie Tweeter in Chief. Naw, couldn't be. Well, then again - loves to get headlines and fascinated with his power to pardon.
5
@Bob Guthrie:
Excellent.
Unfortunately, your pointed and acidic intentional parody will be utterly over the head of many readers.
5
@Bob Guthrie Always appreciate your comments. They make me chuckle.
6
NYT is great but a better explanation about the case and what he was and was not found guilty of is explained in the L.A. Times by Jeffrey Abramson. He expertly explains what would have needed to be proven in order to convict him of the higher charges. He explains the fact that there are rapists and predators who can assault and still actively maintain relationships with their victims, often seen in familial and intimate relationships. In this case it was women Weinstein worked with or claim to want to work with. And how it can be a complete mental and physical overload on some victims resulting in the conflicting issues we all see here.
14
There is gratitude in my heart that Mr. Weinstein was convicted of something.
There are too many women I know (including one in my immediate family) carrying wounds and scars from men who abused them sexually. One of them was a child when it happened, one a teenager, one a military veteran.
Men need to think twice before approaching women in any sort of manner where the goal is to overcome a "no"..or touch a child in a sexual way - male or female. Maybe this conviction will encourage would be predators to think twice before they act.
11
@EB:
I seriously doubt that this outcome will deter or dissuade and sexual predator ou there; they are fundamentally wired quite differently than the vast majority of us.
3
Weinstein's attorneys did a poor job. What Weinstein's attorneys should have done was to call their own female witnesses. Some of those witnesses could have testified about their own consensual sex with Weinstein. Assuming that both groups of women would have described similar events, but then interpreted them differently, this would have given the jury both sides of the story so to speak. More importantly, other witnesses that should have been called by Weinstein's attorneys are the women who alleged rape, but whose credibility was so suspect that the prosecution had to drop their cases. Instead, the only female witnesses heard by the jury were those whom the prosecution had cherry-picked. Yet, even these cherry-picked witnesses conceded that, after the supposed rapes, they later had consensual sex with Weinstein (which, under normal circumstances, would and should have precluded any prosecution). Finally, if Weinstein did not testify (which I assume he did not), then that was, of course, a fatal error. Granted, Weinstein's failure to testify strongly suggests guilt. But, in this case, we all agree that Weinstein's seduction methods involved a measure of coercion (a la the "casting couch"), so admitting as much -- but no more (i.e., not rape) -- should not have hurt Weinstein's chances of an acquittal.
4
@politicallyincorrect
Oh come on.
22
More than politically incorrect. Lawyerly error prone too.
@politicallyincorrect
I know high school civics is a thing of the past, but you did know it used to be a thing, right?
I can't tell.
2
For the first time in the human history, men are being held legally and morally responsible for bad, lewd and sexually predatory behaviour which for Millenia has been deemed— boys will be boys, men do such things, haha all
Men are dogs, etc etc and laughed off.
Even now, with so much evidence available and yet so many witnesses and victims still afraid of, this is a puny victory. But, some may say it is a beginning.
And still yet, we have a President some of whose behaviour with women follows along on the same lines but has been given the pass, an eternal pardon— why?
In this bbc article, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51621041, scroll down to the video of the guy who did spying for HW. Now that scares me!
I’m not so sure the expectation that all men should become honourable and control their urges and treat women with respect would endure. So many doctrines, civilizations and religions have tried... doesn’t every decent person teach their kids to treat others with respect ... then what happens?
As long as there’s testosterone fueled anger and power struggle, and the inherent violator-aspect of the male gaze— I simply don’t see these dilemmas disappearing.
I’m sick of it.
I wish people wpuls think of one another as humans first, gender later and I don’t need see it happening.
We are an inherently flawed species!
14
@Ash:
Absolutely spot-on!
As it happens, prima facie we are NOT the most intelligent species on Earth.
We are, however, far and away both the most dangerous and destructive.
3
I knew that he would be convicted, regardless of whether the evidence showed that adult women chose to trade sex for favours (which is wrong but not rape) or not.
Woman writing here.
11
@reader
Not. The evidence didn’t show that.
5
Some disturbed men who spent their childhoods, teen years and beyond feeling deeply inferior and ugly-- and there are many causes for this-- even if these men win the lottery of life as Weinstein clearly did-- never seem to get over a need to extract revenge against those that they came to view as unfairly favored by the gods with natural charisma, beauty or creative energy. What better situation to find yourself in than that of a fashionable and sought-after Hollywood producer who can make or break careers, demand and receive deference through secret humiliation of those you envy and be naturally protected by the deep fear that artists have of being ignored or discarded. From such a psychologically sick position revenge and punishment can be vented on any artist, man or woman, who enters the perpetrator's little kingdom with vulnerabilities, and we've heard that Weinstein chronically abused everyone. Such monstrous neurotic if not psychotic behavior persists because finding an angle to thwart it and to disable the perpetrator is impossible as long as the context around him remains stable. In this case that context became unstable, and #MeToo supplied the angle finally that led to Weinstein's exposure and downfall. One suspects that some see this generally as an intervention against a seriously harmful bad actor and more than a symbolic victory for women over men in general.
11
How many rapes does it take to make you a predator???
24
@AG
I don't know but as an AG you might be able to ask the president yourself, as I believe he has considerable expertise in such matters.
1
@AG
As many as you can get away with ...
Not a sexual predator? Come on.
35
A watershed moment is when Donald Trump sees the inside of a jail cell for his sexually predatory behavior. Weinstein is chump change compared to him. Please don't convince yourself that the MeToo movement got a positive kick because of this. The biggest misogynist of all is occupying the most powerful office in the world and it looks like he will be there for another 4 and half years.
75
@Plato
What are you talking about? Trump has never even been subject of a criminal complaint.
3
@GMooG Payoffs worked.
1
@GMooG None that you know of in any case. Doesn't mean that trump hasn't committed crimes.
2
“I’m innocent, I’m innocent! How could this happen in America?” Harvey Weinstein, as quoted by his defense attorney after the verdict.
I assume he’ll be keeping his mouth shut in prison, where shares in grotesque, self-serving nonsense trade at a much lower value than they do when you’re playing the pathetic victim using a walker to enter a courthouse.
32
Justice prevails. Now let's count the hours until Trump pardons him.
13
@Jeff ]
Wasn't this State court? trump can't pardon State convictions
10
@Jeff
Good lord, when will you people start paying attention? First of all, Weinstein was a big fundraiser for Hillary; Trump wouldn't pardon him even if he could. Second, he can't pardon him because these are state, not federal, charges.
4
Not a federal crime.
1
That he wasn’t found guilty of being a predator is appalling. I’d love to read the jury charge.
28
He has classic traits of a toxic narcissist. He will never think he is guilty and never feel compassion for his victims. He is being punished because he is powerless and humiliated and prison time will seal the deal. This is a victory.
42
"Even as Mr. Weinstein was found guilty, Hollywood largely remains a man’s world."
I thought Weinstein was being punished for his crimes.
But from the headline it appears that he is punished because Hollywood is a man’s world.
So his sentencing has an an ulterior agenda apparently.
9
The testimony of both Mann and Haley was problematic since they both had consensual relations with him after. Rotunno making the point that Mann sent "hundreds" of positive e-mails to Weinstein after what she alleged is problematic. However, the testimony of Sciorra was very convincing as was Rosie Perez. The incredibly confusing jury instructions almost won him a full acquittal which would have been wrong. He definitely was guilty in the case of Sciorra and likely Wulff. Odd that they were not lead plaintiffs but I understand the statute of limitations issues.
4
@Spyder Please read "Catch and Kill," Ronan Farrow's book, and any number of articles on why women had "consensual" relations with him after initial assaults and rapes. They felt powerless and trapped. They were desperate not to have their careers destroyed. They thought they could get through this by placating him.
10
@Kristi Oh please. They’re in show biz. They’re actors and they live for the promise of an audience and acclaim. They didn’t even have careers to speak of yet. Weinstein is likely guilty of several crimes, but these particular women’s testimony was worse than contradictory. As Tina Turner sang: “who’s zooming who?”
4
Weinstein's lawyers have hopefully been astute enough to collect their fees, before the convict would be able to declare insolvency, to save whatever is left.
5
@Tuvw Xyz Weinsteins lawyers fees are somehow being paid by his business insurance. I don't know how they could be held liable but then again, I'm not a lawyer.
1
No doubt, Meryl Streep will be shocked, as she never heard the whispered rumors about her good friend, Harvey.
9
This was a surprise for him to get convicted since men like him are often very slippery and evade jail time. I'll be curious to see how many years in jail he actually gets.
8
@Sophia
I’ll be shocked if he gets much more than the minimum 5.
Either that or our love-the-rich justice system will pull one of its favorite tricks:
Hand down a substantial sentence while the cameras are rolling, then a year or two later, when no one is watching, parole your rich pal 1/4 of the way through his sentence.
3
I think it was good that Mr. Weinstein was found guilty of two charges, of rape. It is unfortunate that the jury could not agree on the other three charges. But I had wondered if even these two would get guilty decisions. Wondering about Trump pardon or clemency is natural, but pointless. He'll do what he'll do, and he won't care about anybody's opinion on the matter.
3
It only took 80 women who were violated by this monster to bring a little bit a justice to the world.
53
@Citizen mm
How do you know? Perhaps you should have been the jury and saved everyone else a lot of trouble.
KBronson; do Trump supporters believe that it is possible for women to be sexually assaulted? Apparently not. If you are rich, famous or influential enough, the answer is no.
1
Scumbaggery has met its match in the form of a NY jury. Now we might want to focus our attention on Mr. Weinstein's health, watching it deteriorate--whether real or feigned-- as the case proceeds on to sentencing. I find it absolutely fascinating, from a psychological perspective, that he continues to believe these incidents were consensual; his failure to acknowledge the power disparity just takes my breath away.
22
@Maron A. Fenico - I’d be willing to bet that he’s a sociopath. Sociopaths never think they’re at fault for anything. It’s always someone else’s fault and they’re always the victim.
12
@Maron A. Fenico
"his failure to acknowledge the power disparity just takes my breath away..."
I was thinking the same thing, except about the women who clearly willingly slept with him to try to get a role in the movie, had consensual relationships with him, then accused him of rape and were believed because Harvey is ugly and they are not.
2
@Maron A. Fenico He can hopefully find a way to become the roomate of Bill Cosby, they will quickly become best friends
1
I hope there is an investigation into Vance's role in the winking and nodding and the wrist-slapping of high-profile (and wealthy) perps. As long as there was a donation to Vance they got a free pass - until the heat got too unbearable. A hypocrite and an enabler in power is as egregious as the sexual predators themselves.
12
@SJE
Do you think for a minute that these complaints would have been criminally prosecuted as rape with this evidence if he owned a neighborhood car wash and these women were the workers?
2
@KBronson:
If enough of the car wash women contacted the law enforcement agencies, and told similar stories, one would absolutely expect criminal charges to be filed -- assuming we're talking about officers with genuine maturity and enlightenment of the plight of women as sexual assault victims -- ABSOLUTELY.
Your comments overtly designed to somehow discredit Weinstein's *multiple* accusers have a toxic coating of misogyny reeking from them.
Undoubtedly unwittingly, you're making yourself look ill informed, if not simply ignorant.
2
This may be a significant ruling in some places and for some victims, but something tells me that this changes nothing in the hinterlands where rape myths roam unimpeded and unchallenged.
10
@Keitr: I guess that I have lived my whole life in the "hinterlands," and I have no idea what you are talking about. What rape myths? And it seems to me that most of the activity being reported on is on the two coasts.
1
It took 90 people coming forward to get just 2 convictions!! That speaks to the continued disbelief that women can be raped without exertion of force. I see a lot of people in these comments who have no understanding of rape. Hopefully this will start to give women the courage to come forward.
41
Why Weinstein was not nailed with being a predator, a charge that is self evident, is disappointing.
17
I have not been able to read all comments. However, can I say that despite not reading all, I am so encouraged by the overwhelming voice that believe that the crimes that Weinstein was found guilty of was a just outcome. My faith in the American people is restored ... now get down to business and restore commonsense to the White House in November 2020. The world, excluding Russia, is relying on you to get the job done.
26
@Peter
"The world, excluding Russia, is relying on you to get the job done."
You forgot Saudi Arabia.
5
@Stefan, There will be a few other dictators shedding tears (I hope) in December...
The parties in this court case did eventually reach some significant common ground. First all felt they were victims of the other and secondly none felt they had contributed in anyway to their own victimization.
3
@Tony Francis
This comment is a perfect example of false equivalence.
3
To me this is just like the hysteria about sex crimes at day cares. Many innocent people went to prison or had their reputations ruined and their businesses destroyed. Same for this. The women who accused Weinstein, according to the newspapers, also had consensual sex with him both before and after the "rapes." Men are always mistreated in the courts. Just ask any father who's had his kids taken in the divorce courts. The law means nothing to the divorce court judges. Their way is give the kids to the mother, give the house to the mother, give the father's salary to the mother, give the father the child support and alimony payments.
8
There is so much more that needs to be done to educate people about what rape trauma does to someone—especially when the rapist is known to the victim, a far more common scenario than stranger rape. It is utterly disorienting, in addition to the physical, emotional, psychological and soul trauma. It often takes decades for a survivor to even begin to come to terms with it, let alone heal.
It would be amazing if you would educate yourself rather than make such horrible sweeping statements that have no basis in fact. You’ve obviously had a bad experience but it in no way is the norm. I do hope you find some healing.
14
@lester ostroy
"To me this is just like the hysteria about sex crimes at day cares. "
Deny, deny, deny, and let the abuse continue. Attitudes like yours have kept women and children silent since time began, and as long as attitudes like yours prevail, justice cannot be done.
Wake up. Sexual assault and abuse happen, all the time. Just because there have been a few documented false accusations does not deny the reality of the vast majority of cases.
10
@Lena
The problem here is that even believing everything you say is true, our justice system is based on guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
What you and everyone else who applauds this social justice conviction is saying is that there is no difference between consent and rape. Years of consensual sex and relationships that were very normal and agreed to have happened by all parties are now evidence of rape.
That Harvy appears to be a loathsome person doesn't mean he deserves less than the standard of reasonable doubt.
3
Serious jail time in a serious jail, please. The wasn't white-collar crime. These were savage, planned assaults. General population, too.
No Appeal Bond.
17
@Lefthalfbach
White collar crimes aren't "savage, planned assaults"? Guess you've never been a victim of insurance, banking or student loan fraud.
3
Trump will probably pardon him: “He’s been through enough, folks. He’s a good man. Makes great movies, folks. Great ones. Some of the best. Sad what happened to him, what those women did to him. Doesn’t deserve it, folks.” Only a matter of time.
12
@H. Clark
You've captured this perfectly. I patiently await the inevitable tweet. I'm sure he'll excoriate the legal system as well.
2
@H. Clark
Hi, isn’t this a state crime?
I thought the president could only issue pardons for federal crimes?
2
@H. Clark Err - doubtful for a Hillary supporter; T is probably delighted (and won't see his own guilt)
It's not enough. Why not the most serious crimes? 5 years in jail?...ends up being possibly 2.5? Regardless, if he were one of Trump's cronies, he would have said to have been treated unfairly and surely receive a pardon.
2
Trump pardon in the offing? Weinstein didn't do anything Trump himself wouldn't be mighty proud of.
7
@Ricardo Why are so many people saying this?
No president, not even Trump, can pardon someone convicted of state crimes, as Weinstein just was.
15
@Jackson
Now that's just silly. Rapists come in all shapes, sizes and political persuasions.
3
@Jackson So was Blagojevich
While I'm glad that the perpetrator is found guilty, I am sad that there are still countless women in this world who have also been sexually assaulted but would never get justice. Many of these women are poor, uneducated and voiceless. They're not actresses and have influence like Weinstein's victims.
17
He should put intermediaries immediately to reach Trump . Most likely he will be pardoned in March Batch of Crooks and Criminals.
4
Weintein's close encounters haunted him.
Somehow the punished administered to Weinstein still doesn't seem to compare to the life time of pain, suffering and fear so many of his victims live with every day of their lives. They endure a special kind of emotional prison they will never escape from.
I think he is still getting the better end of the deal.
29
@Marge Keller
Exactly right.
By the way, the solution to this problem is to ensure men teach their sons to be gentlemen.
A lost art, perhaps, but I’ve tried.
9
@EGD - Good point. Thank you for your efforts.
Parents also need to teach their daughters to stand up for themselves and speak out.
5
Not to worry Mr. Weinstein, Donald J. Trump will tee up your pardon shortly, and you should receive it just before bedtime on January 19, 2021.
Cheers
5
@pn global
I suspect that President Trump won't pardon him. Why? Because he can’t. It’s a state matter. He needs a Trumpist Republican governor’s pardon, which he probably can’t get, ever, New York being New York.
That leaves any mercy up to the presiding judge. Sad days ahead for Mr. Weinstein ... .
7
@pn global
Please do some research on the difference between state crimes and federal crimes and who can and can not issue pardons for each category before you make any more comments.
4
Since Trump and Weinstein share the entitled white man syndrome, I wonder if Weinstein will be pardoned?
7
@Glenn
No. State crime, no federal pardon. And anyway. a pardon is an admission of guilt.
3
The standard male reply is always that Rae charges are not true. Look at the Supreme Court - two justices were accused and the women denounced. From 1991 to 2020 a powerful man finally gets his due. Think of how many men escaped - corporate executives shielded, politicians unscathed, academics shielded by their peers - men will be men. The sex trade. The perpetrators are often not the lone deviants but prominent married men - Trump, Clinton, Bloomberg, Kennedy’s, Gingrich, Giuliani ... harassment on the streets, and in the workplace - and no it is not welcome and women and men in power need to accountable for enabling this insidious behavior.
14
I think there is a lesson here to be learned by men and women.
Men.. You may think you are getting something for free.. but you are not. The bill may become payable at a most inconvenient time for you.. when you are at the pinnacle of your career and middle aged. Who wants to think about jail at that juncture?
Women.. Stop being afraid to say no.. No to the hand on the thigh, breast or up the skirt. No to a "meeting" in a hotel room. No to a "meeting" that now includes one of you in your underwear or on the bed.
Your legitimate opportunity will come along. I seriously doubt all big time producers behave like Weinstein.
Women.. Acknowledge and accept that gut feeling that something about the promised role or opportunity just does not feel right.
Sometimes when we do that we dodge a world of hurt and pain.
Weinstein said some of these encounters were transactional.. Sex for a role.. Or the promise of one. Of course.. Justification for his vile behavior. He knew how to use his influence to get what he wanted, that is for certain.
These women have all paid a heavy price.
Will it ever be worth it.. even for a role or career boost?
You carry the emotional and psychological baggage with you.
Why take the chance?
19
@Mamma's Child
To the men, you’re telling them to continue thinking only about their own skins. What about treating other human beings with the least common denominator of respect? You know, that oh-so-difficult standard under which we refrain from committing crimes?
To the women, you’re blaming the victim.
Women should “just say no” to a hand up their skirt? What? How about that hand should never be there in the first place? Men’s entitlement is trumpeted even by women.
6
@Jenny
Then the women should defend themselves. Of course a man's hand should never be there in the first place.. But when it is, what do you do? Don't just brush it off.
I am not blaming victims!!
Of course the men will think of saving their own skin.. That is exactly my point if you read my comments.. and the men will, hopefully, eventually be made to pay a price.
Case in point.. Weinstein.
1
surely none of the NYT's readers are so naive as to think that mr weinstein's lack of moral compass ended at his zipper and did not carry over into his business dealings...
thus--thank you, mr weinstein for demonstrating why so many of us who have worked in the movie business are just so, so cynical.
12
Tried and convicted fair and square. Mr. Weinstein should be counting his lucky stars that there is such a thing as the statute of limitations. Otherwise, he would most assuredly never see daylight again.
15
The sad thing is... it could be overturned on appeal if a higher court finds it improper to have allowed the testimony of four witnesses whose interactions with the defendant were from beyond the statute of limitations. I thought that was strange, is there precedent? And the juror writing the book, sheesh!
It may be moot anyway; the Los Angeles case seems to have more gravitas.
3
@Illuminati Reptilian Overlord #14 Yes they used the same tactic in the Cosby trial. Really not much different than a character witness.
1
@Illuminati Reptilian Overlord #14 -
The L.A. trial is far more dangerous for him. It’s his town, after all. They take no prisoners there.
1
Whilst there is some victory in the 2 guilty verdicts today, I lament that the most compelling charge of sexually predatory behavior was not upheld. Not only does this ignore the time, extent and entitled nature of Weinstein's predatory pathology, but it ignores the workplace culture that essentially enabled it.
Any system, culture or environment that protects this type of predatory behavior must simultaneously be held accountable for systemic change to occur. I want those that enabled him for 30 years to be held to account. Only then, will organizations start to respond to the gravity of enabling any inappropriate abuses of power and position.
29
I could not be happier that Harvey Weinstein could spend many years in a prison cell. Too bad he wasn't convicted on the most serious sexual misconduct charges.
In 1986 I went to two managers of a well known Chicago radio station (formally owned by NBC) and told them about the disgusting things two male employees were doing to me I was taken off the afternoon radio show and moved to a lesser day part. One of the men was punished with a one day suspension, the other got a two day suspension. I became a pariah in the newsroom. Other women at the station would come up to me and thank me quietly for stepping forward because they were being abused too. They just didn't have the courage to say something. The Me Too movement has finally taken hold in this country. Ladies, it's a brave new world for you.
40
@Catherine Please please leave Harvey in his own special category of predator's (put him in the same category as Trump) and not to all men as a stereotype. Good men and good women need each other and do well when we work together. The #metoo movement has a way of making "all men" into predator's. That's a dangerous road and a divisive one for us all when we all need to stick together with respect, to rid society of predator men and women.
2
@Hal Paris But the men I speak about ARE perfectly fit Weinstein's category. I have been a broadcaster for 40 years and have worked alongside some of the finest men (and women) in the business. My point in my comments is that I was born too early for the Me Too movement. Women lived in fear and suffered in silence in past recent decades. It doesn't have to be that way any longer. You can be sure that "good men and good women" will probably always be good people. Trump....well he's another story. He seems to be the one who got away.
11
Meant to say the men I speak about ARE a perfect fit in the Weinstein category. Or, they were. Both dead now.
5
I yearn for a day when women are seen by more than just bodies, more than just spectacles to be gawked at or commented upon by men. But based on many of the comments by men that I'm reading here, I may have to wait a long time.
27
@Blaire Unfortunately that day will not come soon, if ever. Hollywood and the media have contributed a lot to the objectification of women. Women too sell themselves short by promoting that idea.
6
@Blaire
Have you seen the way women on the red carpet dress? Did you see what Jennifer Lopez was wearing during the Super Bowl?
6
@blondiegoodlooks
Are you suggesting that men just can't help themselves if they see a woman dressed provocatively? Sounds as though you're excusing sexual assault because it's the victim's fault.
1
Bravo to the prosecutors, judge and law enforcement personnel. This proves once again that none of us is above the law, no matter how much money you have or spend.
As a retired litigator I watched for one simple tell: did he get locked up right there and then. And he did. (Note that Roger Stone was not.) This was a very hard case to prosecute since the victims continued to have communication with the defendant. It took wonderful courtroom skill not to fall one.
After sentencing send him in leg and arm shackles to California and we will finish him off for good. Kudos to all who did this. America is still a nation of laws and not money.
35
@Harry Schaffner pardon my ignorance (and it is truly ignorance here), what was the “tell” as to why Weinstein, and not Stone, was sent straight to prison? Does it relate to the strength of the judge’s orders, or the prosecutors’ recommendations for sentencing? I think others may be as interested as I if you could explain. It’s crazy to me that some found guilty get to go home before sentencing, and I’ve no idea why.
1
@Harry -
What is “Justice”?
When this first broke several well known actresses jumped in to say they were horrified and surprised that this went on with Weinstein. From what I understand Weinstein’s proclivities were well know through out the industry. The actresses as I recall included Meryl Streep and Cher. Someone should look into this and call them out! They are powerful enough to have stopped this earlier!
11
@John McCauley And, they should return their Oscars for working with him!
1
Not only that but many in his staff of enablers were women who set up those meetings. Women who pimp for powerful men should also be held to account. Where are you Ghislaine Maxwell?
7
Check out the video of him leaving the courtroom -- no walker required. Handles a step-down and walk to waiting vehicle with no problem.
It's a miracle, he's been cured!
That's some good lawyering, and apparently, a decent bit of acting.
Get 'em civil court, ladies. Strip him of anything and everything left & that he holds dear. Lay. him. bare.
49
In actuality he may not do much time but at least he may be behind bars, however briefly. Will he learn anything? No, he will still be "innocent" and "misunderstood" in his own head.
12
@Gabby K:
Maybe we should get Senator Collins thoughts on this. I'm sure she'll think he's learned his lesson.
5
Leaving aside the criminal aspects of this case, it made me sick to read about the sheer brutality of Weinstein's conduct and crass behavior toward so many vulnerable young women looking for support and a mentor, perhaps even a father figure, in pursuing a career. The exact opposite of how a woman, any woman, should be treated by a man.
18
@Alex
I am not surprised this is all about power, money and white men. America has a history of white men functioning like brutes who destroy races, and women .
Nothing new because it has been going on since this country was formed.
Mr. Weinstein will be murdered in jail just like Jeffrey Epstein or he will be pardoned.
Minority Kids who break a window serve time not rich white men.
4
@Alex
It really is a culture of psychological and physical brutality and duplicity that’s on trial here. “Hollywood”, that nebulous business, is cannibalistic. It’s norms and customs aren’t your own. It is a place of excess. And excessiveness.
3
So many comments here take issue with the women who claimed rape but continued in a sexual relationship with Weinstein. I for one will not sit in judgement of any woman who felt so cornered that she would do such a thing. Those that went back - I think they got the worst of it...
45
While I do believe that Weinstein is sexual predator, I am very disturbed by a rape conviction obtained on the testimony of someone who continued to befriend, flirt with, and brag about having sex with their attacker. It is the same kind of thing that helped caat doubt the case against Kevin Spacey and rightly so. At the very least it calls into question the credibility of the accuser, which the whole Weinstein case rested upon.
We now have a legal precedent, assuming Weinstein's conviction is not overturned, where one may have a friendly or romantic/sexual encounter with someone, and then months or years after the fact, claim for whatever reason or motivation that "oh wait, it was rape after all". That should alarm anyone, male and female, of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
42
@YeahItsMeAgain
First- It won't be "precedent" if its not appealed. Trial decisions are rarely used as such, and jury decisions are
on the facts, not the law.
Second- Weinstein had very well paid, experienced counsel. He was afforded all the rights under the law and Constitution.
Third- The jury did not convict him of the worst offenses.
In short, the notion that he was somehow railroaded or abused by the system is patently untrue. He is not worthy of your sympathy.
40
@YeahItsMeAgain : I guess you've never been sexually bothered by a much more powerful boss. I have. And my inclination was to deny deny deny. I didn't want to believe it. I thought I was doing very well. Harvard MBA. My performance reviews had always been excellent. I got promoted early.
But when I was 32, I got a new boss. He was very senior in my company and married. He liked how I looked. He let me know this by several meaningful glances at me, by notifying me via his secretary that he wanted me along on several out-of-state trips that I had no reason to be on, by asking me to bring a file he'd forgotten up to his hotel room on the trips I had no reason to be on.
And after it dawned on him that I wasn't going to have sex w/ him and wasn't attracted to him, he put the word out that I was to be fired.
He got his way. Every man in the process knew exactly what had happened. To a man, they supported the boss. Suddenly, I was ranked in the bottom 10% of performers who had to be culled.
This is *not* H. Weinstein stuff; the man never laid a hand on me. He was just so offended that I didn't return the "affection" that he ended my career to remove me from his memory.
This happens to women every day. This is the bit that should alarm everybody.
41
@YeahItsMeAgain
Possibly a coping mechanism.
Just like Trump voters don't like to believe they have been taken.
9
If Weinstein is incarcerated for at least 5 years, this will serve as an example that no matter how powerful and influential men are, they can't get await with this illegal behavior.
It is unlikely that Trump will pardon Weinstein around election time, maybe after. Trump likes to give presidential pardons to those who have committed similar crimes to what he has been accused of doing. The old school has to go.
One day justice for race discrimination at work might become just as much of an issue as #MeToo. This is also a major issue at work places where management gets away with murder and nothing happens to them while minorities have to deal with the many negative consequences.
5
@Hoping For Better
It’s a state, not a federal, matter. President Trump can do nothing about it. Only a sympathetic New York Republican state governor can, sometime in the future.
1
@Steve Singer good point
@Hoping For Better -
What is “Justice”?
If the allegations are true, Weinstein should be locked up for a long, long time.
3
@DRR -
Yes.
Five years is a long time.
Wonder what kind of sentence Weinstein will receive. Maybe he could get up some advise from Roger Stone who would probably tell him: If you have a Barr behind you you will spend less time behind bars.
10
I’ve taught music (piano) privately and many of my students are women. It’s been suggested that I get a surreptitious video camera to record all lessons to protect myself from accusations.
Is this what the world is coming to? For the record, I certainly will not record lessons.
Weinstein is a sick, serial predator who used his power for his own ends. He belongs in jail. Legally, it’s difficult to understand women remaining friends and continuing to have sex with him after being raped or assaulted. They need to get their priorities straight: #1 protecting their bodies, #2 protecting their careers.
8
@Citizen it's been suggested for the opposite reasons. That can happen too.
The world is not coming to something. Maybe that's how it was and now we find it out and we try to weed it out.
On the other hand, Trump is the president...
I imagine Weinstein shows up to his sentencing in a MAGA hat hoping for a Trump pardon?
3
Trump can’t pardon non federal cases
12
@Vin , Your character attempt aside, Weinstein was a donor for Hilary and not Trump. Perhaps you should should brush up on recent history.
2
Weinstein was convicted of two Class E felonies, each of which carries a potential sentence ranging from a minimum of no jail/probation to a maximum of one and a third to four years in prison.
Even if the maximum sentence was imposed on each count and the sentences also made to run consecutively, you would still not reach the 10-25 years mentioned in the article. What’s happening?
2
@Charlie in NY. I stand corrected. The conviction on the criminal sex act was in the first degree which is a B felony carrying a maximum of eight and a third to 25 years.
In the words of Emily Latella, “never mind.”
3
@Charlie in NY -
It’s his harshness that got him. Why he was very effective as a film producer.
1
A lot of concern for "due process" from the same people who were shouting "lock her up!".
39
@Marie How do you know they are the same people. I voted for Clinton, but I don't think this "trial" followed due process
1
@Marie -
Every day in every way.
“Lock him up!”, too.
The women were traumatized and Mr. Weinstein will spend most of his last few years in the penitentiary. Careers ruined and a great producer locked away.
That’s what happens when people cross the limits and become addicts. In this case, it’s sexual addiction.
6
@Vernon - There’s nothing “great” about him, Vernon.
And in this case, it’s rape.
8
There is nothing wrong with imprisoning Weinstein for life as long as there is the evidence yet I'm not still seeing any of it. The fact that Weinstein may be a monster does not validate him going to prison solely by accusations.
I am not defending Weinstein here but only due process. Of the 90 women who complained to the court, not even one has filed for a police report? Most of these women did not hesitate to walk into a creep's residential apartment for a business meeting but going to police turns out to be traumatic, really?
And let me ask where the others are or were Weinstein the single sexual abuser in Hollywood? Why are we not seeing scores of investigations? Why does not the Times publish a long list so I can applaud them aloud?
My uncle, a lawyer, used to say the greedy and the swindler always find each other. This is the case here so far. Actresses have entrapped an evil, opportunist swindler who hurt them bad. What happened to Weinstein may be just but it is not legal. I applaud justice but cry for a lack of legal process.
If we want to further women's rights then we, especially women, need to make the hard decisions.
12
I am happily surprised that the judge is not allowing him to hang out at home while awaiting sentencing. It's about time these abusive, abhorrent, powerful, wealthy men feel the shame of being escorted out of court in handcuffs. And that shame is a tiny fraction of the shame and fear he caused his many victims.
For those of you commenters who think this verdict is unfair (to Weinstein), please read Catch and Kill. Weinstein is a monster who has raped and assaulted women for years. His money and intimation tactics silenced at least dozens of victims over decades. It's long past time he is held accountable for his crimes.
24
@Heidi A -
A monster? He succeeded in a business that is monstrous to its core.
It’s dog eat dog. He did not survive for as long as he did if he did not fit in. His methods undoubtedly were gross and cruel. But they got results.
I am not defending him. Not at all. It is just his personality type rises to the top of the heap there, and make many unslakable enemies.
He should have been sentenced to life-imprisonment considering his long history of crimes.
6
@earthling
At his age, 5 years may be life for him.
One positive thing came out of his conviction. He can now lose the walker.
21
Really? Justice is meted out against a defendant?
No interference?
Just the truth?
It’s about darn time!
Victims- don’t be afraid to speak out!
Perpetrators- keep your hands and words to yourself or face the consequences!
8
He’ll get five years, be out in two tops.
3
Harvey Weinstein, convicted rapist, handcuffed, sent to prison with bail revoked. This has turned out to be such a good day! Bye bye Harvey.
38
I am satisfied by this trial’s outcome.
What I am still finding difficult to comprehend is why so many women agreed to have sex with Mr. Weinstein in the first place in exchange for a part for them in his promised remake of “Gone with the Wind” or the lead role in his next blockbuster movie, as opposed to just walking away.
18
@A. Stanton people have mortgages to pay. It's why a lot people let themselves be exploited by their employers everyday in micro aggressions.
11
Perhaps for the same reasons that so many people choose to be willfully blind to ongoing, institutionalized harms being done by...to...
Choose to be willfully deaf to the experienced existential pains of so many others. All around.
Choose to be willfully indifferent to discrimination. Exclusion. Marginalization,
Stereotyping and stigmatizing. Dehumanization by...of... ALL around US.
Daily!
To choose to be silent when the energies of volcanic outrage needs to target documented violators of ummenschlichkeit!
Their are always reasons. Answers.
What are the necessary, helpful, needed
questions. and their derived quests, which can result in more and more people choosing to contribute to make a difference that MAY make much needed changes and equitable, sustainable, differences for ALL of US?
3
@S.Einstein
What you describe is a lack of courage, the virtue without all other virtues are impotent.
The entertainment business attracts gravely damaged people at all ends of the social spectrum. Time was what producers did to others was, and still is, the norm. People just accepted it before, is all.
The entertainment/media business is cannibalistic and quite chauvinist. It’s a sad one.
13
Journalists paint the story with a broad brush. Law enforcement uses a fine scalpel. The truth is probably somewhere in between. But the truth is anybody's guess, and most make their guesses based on preconceived notions. The truth is elusive.
5
@michjas -
But abusive patterns aren’t. He was charged with a pattern of behavior, of personal misconduct.
1
@Steve Singer. The jury found him not guilty of the pattern of conduct charges. That settles that, don't you think?
Trumps next pardon. In his view Harvey did nothing he would not do.
21
@K. OBrien
This isn’t a conviction in a federal court, Trump cannot issue a pardon.
Why hasn’t anyone bought him a decent walker?
5
@ginger2. To make him look more pitiful, I suppose. Did anyone fall for it?
5
The stock market plummets and Harvey Weinstein is convicted of #MeToo crimes. Good news or bad? Both: Terrible day for Wall Street and a victory for the Weinstein victims. The stock market will bounce back but more Weinsteins are out there.
14
At last, proof that the #MeToo era is capable of much more than just getting Hollywood movers and shakers in hot water with their employers.
11
While the jury may have acquitted him of the most serious charges, I expect that for most women, the face of this beast will always be what comes to mind when the term "sexual predator" is mentioned.
15
@CalifCailin and horrifyingly so!! Enough even to give me nightmares and I am not a woman.
1
To the reporters, a question: does Weinstein have strong grounds for an appeal and overruling?
How is it legal to allow testimony from three witnesses alleging rape and sexual abuse when they never reported it to the police and the allegations were never brought to a court of law?
I’m grateful he was convicted, but I don’t know how it will stand.
14
During the course of this case playing out in court, female member of the family said he will be found not guilty and I was on the other side. Now that he is in JAIL, hopefully for long time.
Who is next to be prosecuted? Matt L?
I have young daughter and to all the ladies who came forward thank you for your courage.
53
I hope he gets the maximum sentence. It honestly seems fair, all things considered.
18
While women are undoubtedly celebrating, there should be sober realization what has occurred here.
What has occurred is that a person has been convicted and is being sent to prison based upon mere accusation by a single person alone. There is 100% absence of any witnesses to the accused crime he has been convicted of. There is 100% absence of any physical evidence of the accused crimed he has been convicted of. There is 100% absence of any corroborating evidence of the accused crime he has been convicted of.
There is nothing here but the mere accusation of a single person of the crime he has been convicted of. On that basis, a person's freedom has been taken and they are to be imprisoned. Women may like a nation where the law works in that manner. But this is a dark and ominous day for people who value freedom, truth, and due process of law.
21
Uh, testimony of other women describing the same treatment over a long period is powerful corroborating evident. As for witnesses, most crimes lack witnesses. A crime with witnesses is a gift to prosecutors. Don’t worry! Jurisprudence is untainted here. The man was convicted fair and square.
56
@Harry
No, Harry, they were NOT witnesses to the crime accused and for which a person was convicted and imprisoned.
They were people accusing other crimes for which he was not convicted or even being tried.
9
@Errol
So...No one should go to prison for sexual assault unless it's caught on video and/or is done in a crowded room?
41
A number of years ago, Weinstein inexplicably sunk a film (Normal Life) starring Ashley Judd, halting its theatre release and relegating it to TV. The film had been much anticipated, Weinstein's action was protested, and the scandal made the front page of the Times' Sunday Arts Section. Weinstein took revenge not only on Judd but on all involved in the project. I am glad justice has caught up with him. I'm sorry it took so long.
But mostly, I am thinking of all the people who have been violated and abused and have no chance of justice because neither they nor their attackers are famous.
73
@pi I remember Ashley Judd going public about her experience with Weinstein. I didn't realize that he had scrapped the film she was in. What a sleaze.
5
This is all thanks to the hard work, meticulous reporting and perseverance of Ronan Farrow.
70
I’m so proud of these women for speaking up. It is not easy. It does not feel good to have your trauma scrutinized and erased (even by readers of the Times). It is easier, much easier, to stay quiet. They didn’t have to do this and the fact that they did helps us all.
66
I'll wager a buck that within weeks, a sizeable donation is made to Trump's re-election campaign by Harvey or his minions... And within the year, he's pardoned and walking free. Any takers?
31
@Keen Observer He was convicted in state court, not federal court. Trump cannot pardon him for state charges.
102
@Richard
Let's all remember this when Trump is convicted in NY STATE for tax evasion, money laundering and who knows how many other crimes. GO NYS!
76
@Keen Observer
Trump cannot pardon him.
8
Soon to be overturned on appeal. There's no actual evidence, is there?
12
@Plank
Same amount of evidence as there is when you are mugged in an alley, and pick your mugger out of a lineup. Their word and the fact that he was there.
41
@Plank Appeals are for matters of law. Trial court decides issues of fact.
11
@Plank apparently the jury thought there was enough evidence
25
Weinstein's conviction is a major setback for the Democratic Party. Weinstein as a major contributor and solicitor (no pun intended) for the Democrats leaves Democratic Party politicians susceptible to a collateral attack for receiving the contributions of this now convicted sexual predator.
Certainly most of the people in the Democratic Party/Media/Entertainment continuum knew that Weinstein was a sexual deviant and predator. They will be called out for their association with Weinstein. It is one of the very satisfying results of this successful prosecution.
4
@John Quinn I'm no fan of Sanders, but this is why the success of his campaign (at least so far) is a watershed moment. Finally the people are having a say in who represents them, not the rich and powerful. This is the first time in decades that the Democratic party is not beholden to celebrity. Its a breath of fresh air.
22
@John Quinn should all Republicans be called out for supporting Trump, an admitted sexual predator (see the Access Hollywood tape)? Unfortunately neither side has clean hands on this issue.
40
John Quinn: your comment is rich, considering your man trumputin has been credibly accused by numerous women of engaging in the same repugnant behavior. The hypocrisy is stunning!
60
I remember the scene in 16 Candles where the nerdy guy was, in essence, given the hot cheerleader as a sexual object. Even worse, when the cheerleader woke up after passing out from alcohol she recalled that she liked it. Harvey Weinstein is what happens to that teenager when he grows up, has power, and lacks a moral compass. As we focus on these sensational cases, let's not forget that the much bigger problem stems from the millions of women subject to micro sexual aggressions for which there will never be justice.
71
@Midwest
How about KAVANAUGH?!
40
This seems to me the nail in the coffin for the Democrats' Bill Clinton era which lasted nearly twenty-five years, from Clinton's first victory in November 1992 through Trump's victory in 2016 when Dems had an overnight 180 degree values transformation. It was an era marked by tolerance for sexual misconduct by powerful men who were given a pass for their otherwise positive contribution to society. I for one will miss the annual Meryl Streep Oscar-Diva-
Showcase which Harvey produced every year like clockwork.
11
@rpe123 But Trumps behavior is OK?
20
@rpe123 If you think that tolerance for sexual misconduct started with the Clinton era, I've got a bridge to sell you.
71
@Pete Perhaps. But Clinton was the first I remember whose sexual misdeeds were a big media issue from the very beginning. He was elected despite all the evidence and rumors. Previously the media did not report on sexual conduct of candidates...such as JFK.
2
The question remains why accessing Harvey Weinstein’s “universe” as the prosecution calls it was more important to these women than their own self respect and physical integrity.
46
@Joanna the question remains why it’s 2020 and blaming the victims is more important to you than holding a man responsible for his crimes.
310
@Joanna
Because they didn't expect to be raped. Because they worked their whole life, and were put in a spot where they drop their lifelong career goals - or take a risk.
Victim blaming is really sad. We could all do more to be safer - stay at home, treat everyone like a crazed attacker we shouldn't trust - but sometimes you have to try.
98
@Joanna No the question remains why someone like Weinstein has the ability to control access to the "universe". Get your priorities straight.
69
His lawyers saved him from the most serious charges, but there are too many questions yet.
How much time is he actually going to get?
How much is he going to have to serve?
Will Trump pardon him?
14
Trump has no power to pardon him because this was a NYS prosecution. This is why all high profile federal political corruption cases should be tried in NY (or California) under those states laws from now on so unethical republicans cannot pardon them.
353
@Barbara Sheridan If its a federal political corruption case, then it will be in federal court and a POTUS will have the opportunity to pardon them. NYS court and Federal court are two different jurisdictions and you can't substitute one for the other. In some cases, a defendant can be charged in both jurisdictions for the same crime because it falls under both federal & state criminal statutes. But you can't just arbitrarily try a person in whatever court you want. Jurisdiction is a constitutional regulation.
2
This is a New York state case. Trump can only pardon a federal conviction.
4
Just because he is guilty does not mean the entire male population is guilty - or should be even suspect. That's what the "movement" seems to be missing.
56
Women don’t blame all of men for doing this, but I tend to notice that they don’t do much to protect women or stop each other from doing it either. How many people knew that something was afoot with Weinstein and did nothing to stop it? 90 accusers tends to indicate that there are a lot of people who could be viewed as accomplices to his assaults and rapes.
368
We live in a society that has allowed this behavior to be acceptable. All men are guilty of at least being witness to this kind of behavior and it is our responsibility to change it.
Speaking as a man, husband and father.
262
Kathryn, unfortunately, some do.
2
You can be sure that men won’t allow themselves to be alone with women in a work setting and women won’t be given opportunities involving social activities and travel that might otherwise advance their careers.
5
@Paco
Back in the early 70’s, when my husband began his teaching career, he was advised by an older professor, that when he met with a female student - to always leave his door open.
He thought it was excellent advice and followed it his whole career.
You can do that in the workplace. With a colleague just as easily.
10
It’s crazy to somehow bring President Trump in to this issue, a Hollywood liberal loved by the elite liberals. The liberals own this one. Come to think it’s a classic example of TDS
3
@Jimd
I don’t think it’s crazy, both are sexual predators.
Hopefully a Trump will have the opportunity to spend time behind bars.
2
Now Harvey has one more possible trial date beside the huge numbers of “ METOO$” civil complaints that will drag on for years. Harvey May eventually do about 3 to 5 at a minimum security lock-up....If his appeals are denied that is.
We need laws that state expressly that trading jobs for sexual favors (and vice versa) is unfair hiring practices & therefore illegal because clearly, trying to bend current law to fit that very old practice does not work. As we see it barely worked here with the whole national press piled up like a storm swell bearing down on the East Coast in December. Fairness to job prospects demands that no advantage be given via sexual exchange!
3
Harvey Weinstein is the tip of the iceberg. He is off to prison, where he belongs, perhaps for the rest of his life. But, there are countless other men who, by remaining silent, condoned the behavior and enabled it. Hopefully, Weinstein's conviction and sentence will send a clear message to these men that, in the future, if you see something say something. For get losing money, a job, your "reputation" or future job prospects. It's the right, ethical nd moral thing to do. Even in Hollywood.
9
It's time for Donald Trump to be brought to justice. He's been accused by more than a dozen women, at least two of them claiming he forcibly raped them. One of them, Katie Johnson, was a little girl when Trump attacked her. Reportedly she dropped her lawsuit against him in 2016 because she received so many death threats.
The system should not work like this. Accusers should not disappear because they are threatened with murder if they speak.
I don't care if Trump's president. I want him put on trial and held accountable.
19
When do we get trump in a courtroom? Hasn't he done the same as Weinstein or even worse?
Kudos to the team that got Weinstein convicted. It was not an easy case. Of course, even more kudos to the women who testified.
12
He has nothing to worry about. Fellow predator Trump will commute whatever sentence he gets.
1
@PeteG -
Can’t. It’s a state matter.
@PeteG
Wrong jurisdiction, Trump has no ability to issue pardons at the state level.
Thank God. Now please work on the film production side of things, meaning TV and film sets. NYC District Attorney, that means you. We have record filming here in NYC, little accountability, and too few women on shooting crews. Too many crew members are men who have gotten away with it for years. They must be held accountable.
6
@FMcT -
They probably won’t. The heap is the heap. And film shoots in New York City won’t be encouraged by it.
1
@Steve Singer Not sure what you mean.
Unfortunately, people are too eager to impose their biases in situations where facts matter. The problem is similar to prejudices on both sides of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Not every police shooting is based upon bias, implicit or outright. Similarly, not every shooting incident is devoid of racist motives. You must examine the facts without prejudice and make a rational judgment. The same is true with respect to the Me Too Movement. Not every sexual relationship between a producer and an actress, or a secretary and an employer, is a criminal act. There may be times when the secretary , or the actress, is the aggressor. That is why we have trials, review evidence and hear testimony. The issues are complex, not subject to one size fits all analyses.
2
The positive side to this drama, if there is one besides seemingly deserved revenge, is perhaps we will get actresses that can actually act. I’ve always wondered why American film is so pathetic compared to British film which may not have the most artificially gorgeous young women; rather they have women who are both attractive at all ages and incredibly fine actresses, having for the most part come up through legitimate theater not vis a vis connections or a casting couch.
6
Currently we have a president who has forced who KNOWS how many women into NDA's. And we have a presidential nominee (Michael Bloomberg) who has done the same to countless others.
These types of men should not be in power.
9
We all owe a debt of gratitude to the courageous women who came forward to tell their harrowing stories of sexual assault and rape at the hands of this evil man. Weinstein may be the latest despicable predator to go down, but let’s all work to ensure he’s not the last. Trump should be next. Unfortunately the statute of limitations may have already passed for the many women attacked by our most deplorable president.
8
@Dabney L -
The way of the world is the way of the world. It’s worse in so-called “glamor businesses”.
Thank you to the brave women who testified against Weinstein so he could finally be brought to justice.
11
Thank you to Ronan Farrow who worked so hard to bring these accusations to light and expose the real Harvey Weinstein.
Farrow has been worth his weight in gold in the Weinstein case.
Bravo!
14
"Harvey Weinstein needed to be held accountable. But sex offenders have a horrible time in jail. It is going to be terrible, state-imposed suffering and torture." I was raped when I was 16 and a virgin...yes, that used to be the norm. I am 79. My rapist was never held accountable. I hope he suffers dearly for all the women like me who are not beautiful, rich and white movie stars and therefore have no recourse. If there is societal change by men in how they regard women it will only be instilled by fear of prison, because I believe most men feel entitled to women's bodies.
16
Donna Rottuna was vilified in the comments weeks ago.
Those who did so should be glad she provided a zealous defense of her client so that there are no issues on appeal for ineffective assistance of counsel.
Finality of judgment is a good thing for society and zealous defense attorneys are an important component of a solid conviction.
6
I do not know how the story I am about to share fits into the #MeToo movement, but is is worth telling. I am a man, and have been estranged from 2 of my siblings (brother and sister) because I stood up to my brother's sexual misconduct. I also have had a strained relationship with my mother for the same reason. Ten years ago (before #MeToo) my brother had a sexual relationship with a young student au pair/nanny with whom he and his wife sponsored from a foreign country; 20 years earlier he also has a history of sexual contact with our step-sister (not blood related) when she was in the 8th grade and he was in the 12th grade. I raised red flags about this pattern, and when I confronted him about it I was given a death threat (by my brother), told I was breaking up the family (by both my brother and sister), and told I was being a bad example to my son (by my sister). At that time, it also seemed that the general public thought that family should stick together and my brother and I should not fight (i.e. blood is thicker than water). While public sentiment has changed since #MeToo, my family still believes my brother did nothing wrong.
I have both a daughter and son, and my wife and I are doing our best to teach them about consent. I can understand the desire to deny that your own child has done anything wrong, but unless parents take responsibility to teach their children about consent it will not matter what society tells us.
39
WAEngleman, you have moral courage & that is more important than family loyalty. Too often families think that sticking together is more important. When families lose their moral courage, people suffer & this can go on for generations. You did the right thing & I hope it breaks the cycle of crime in your birth family.
17
Thank you for your courage. You did the right thing, and families who put bloodlines over abusive and predatory behavior by their members cause harm to others.
2
I did not understand the depth of the problem until I was in my mid-50's. i assumed everyone just did the right thing, and was mildly put off by colleagues who told bawdy jokes or commented on female coworkers.
Then I went to work for a very smart, attractive woman 20 years younger than me. I was here "wing man" because I knew the business better than she did. We traveled together, ate together, even played tennis once. After some episode with another co-worker, she was upset, and just remarked, "Oh, you aren't like that."
Opened my eyes.
16
This type of behavior like racism is learned. It is very rare that you are born a rapist, it does happen but its very rare. Men like Weinstein are creatures of a society that does not value woman but values power. After all rape is a crime of power not sex. Weinstein believed that he was entitled to his way with woman who came to him for work and relied on not one of them talking or making accusations. Look at his response to his being found guilty! No remorse no embarrassment, only a sense of outrage. Our president is a creation of the same environment of misogynistic behavior. I'm rich I can grab woman and demand sex because I have the power. I on the other hand am not a rich man, but my parents knew what was right and what was wrong and they instilled in me values that I think would make them proud. Men like Weinstein and trump lack character, honor and a sense of decency and their behavior is the result.
40
@MLucero And let's not forget President Bill Clinton, who continued his nefarious behavior while in office.
@Dani What 'nefarious behavior'?? he was impeached for telling a lie under oath. Donald has told 16,000 lies so far and violated his oath at least 1000 times. As for Monica, she was of legal age and was consenting.
3
When I was young (1960s & 70s) the streets were full of sexual predators. I had to run from them every day. Their only power was that they were physically stronger than most women - & they were protected by the annonymity of the streets. It would obviously be pointless to go to the police & report that you had been attacked by someone whose name, address & workplace you were ignorant of. In contrast, work was always a 'safe space', which I assumed was because you did know these men's names & where they worked, if not where they lived. In other words, if one of them attacked you, you could easily turn them in to the police - & they knew it. So I don't understand how 'powerful' men can get away with rape. & when the woman who has been 'raped' doesn't turn the rapist in to the police, but instead, continues to have a relationship with him, it begins to sound more like high stakes s & m than rape.
3
Most people are raped by people they know and most people don’t come foreword; particularly if the abuser is has power to destroy your career and reputation, there is even more reason to be afraid to come foreword. Some woman did try to come foreword about Weinstein and he ruined them.
7
@K. Martini I give those women credit, but I don't feel sorry for them. I job is a job. If your bosses a bully find another job. & if he's a rapist, first turn him in to the police, then get another job. I don't know what you mean by 'ruined'. Did he kill them or blind or paralyze them?
2
Why should Weinstein go to jail while Trump remains in the presidency?
Our criminal justice system lacks all credibility after the Senate vote to acquit Trump.
52 Republican Senators say it’s OK to violate federal election laws and go free.
Chief Justice John Roberts, in his official black robes, nods his approval at the end of the Senate “trial.”
The Supreme Court abdicated its responsibilities when it did not immediately step in to resolve the Constitutional crisis when Trump ordered the Executive branch to stonewall the Legislative branch.
Every time a criminal case comes up in the TV news now, I wonder why are we going through this process for lower crimes when the greatest crime of all, subverting the Constitution, goes unpunished.
53
@Coureur des Bois Because the Democrat charges are all bogus, that's why Trump is where he is. Get over it, and get ready for another 4 years of having him as your President.
@Coureur des Bois It is comments like yours, approved by many readers, that undermines the seriousness of this situation. It does a disservice to the victims and trivializes the crime. Rape should be viewed as a crime, not a a political accusation.
1
@Coureur des Bois -
It’s a racket, like all the others.
Even if the judge throws the book at him during sentencing this is so long overdue with so many women victimized no sentence can even approach a semblance justice
27
I just wonder if somewhere deep in his conscience Justice Kavanaugh knows what he did. That's what I'm thinking about today.
52
@Joy No, Justice Kavanaugh doesn't have anything on his conscience about Ms. Ford. Why would he be worried about someone fabricating a story?
2
@Joy Perhaps he did what he said he did.
@PJ Kavanaugh committed perjury several times during his confirmation hearings. He could've just as easily been lying when he denied knowing Dr. Ford. She was much more credible than him.
4
Well, half of the job has been done - now it's time to expose the collaborators who happily prostituted themselves to get a good roll that should have gone to a more talented actor. Otherwise, "casting couch" behavior will never be fully stamped out.
6
@Peter, I think you’ve missed the point here. Weinstein victimized women repeatedly. The women were and are not the perpetrators. It was all Weinstein.
7
@Peter Zenger
A good “roll” is delicious.
2
@RT
Actually, auto-type ahead does amazing things - it was attempting to create the phrase "by giving a good roll".
Great! Now let’s explore the mysterious world of Jeffrey Epstein.
12
Gee, I can’t help but feel that part of our glee that Harvey Weinstein was convicted and is going to the pokey for a long, long times arises from his being so physically and morally repugnant. Should we try to accord him no more disdain than we would feel toward a handsome and charming guy who engaged in serious misconduct?
9
@Raised Eyebrows
I think you're splitting hairs. He's morally repugnant. He's going to prison for appalling sexual misconduct.
So he's also being subjected to contempt for being physically unattractive. Why should anyone care?
After all, the women he went after were very easy on the eyes. He was fine with the looks hierarchy.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
My heart goes out to the women whose lives and careers and sense of wellbeing he destroyed.
9
The sexual assault and rape laws were written before women were independent actors in the business world. The definition of rape was thought to require the element of physical force or threat of. With this case and others (for instance involving policemen who extorted sex from women as an alternative to arrest and jail), a new broader definition is taking hold. Psychological force exercised from a position of a power imbalance has now been established as a sufficient element.= for the crime.
In effect, this gives professional women a measure of deterrent power against sexual coercion in the business world. If a man pressures a woman to have sex while dangling career advantage, or threatening career disadvantage, and she caves in the interest of her legitimate career interests, the aggressor can now be charged with a crime.
This is a long awaited result for working and professional women.
That said, professional women have certain responsibilities that go with mixing with men in the business world. Standing down from using their sexual allure to gain business advantage is one of these. Learning the social skills that communicate clearly and unambiguously of non-interest in sex, while remaining unrattled and upbeat -- those are responsibilities.
Weinstein still thinks "I'm innocent", because to him, transactional sex qualifies as "consensual". He'll have years in jail to ponder the distinction between that, and real consent.
7
@pb
"Standing down from using their sexual allure to gain business advantage is one of these. Learning the social skills that communicate clearly and unambiguously of non-interest in sex, while remaining unrattled and upbeat -- those are responsibilities."
Agree. Start educating girls and boys very early.
3
So, the default is that women are interested in using sex to advance and we have to specifically say no? Why can men not realize that work is work, and not a sexual trolling pool.
8
Wow. It is shocking and nauseating to read the misogynistic comments by men in support of a predator like Weinstein. I am a man, son, father and husband. I celebrate the conviction of this rapist. If there are those to whom it is not possible to appeal to their humanity, then let us at least put the mortal terror of jail into the hearts. May Weinstein die in jail.
101
@AR That's not very nice, or humane.
@AR
I wonder if you would be so noble if a woman who you had a long term relationship twenty years ago now came forward and said you raped her at the beginning of the relationship.
You would just meekly admit that her accusation was true, yes?
2
A travesty of justice. It is now open season on all men who ever had sex with women- no matter how long ago and regardless of how long the relationship lasted.
This isn’t democracy or liberation- this is oppression.
5
@Phil This is the exact opposite, my friend.
10
@Phil
If someone's sexuality develops past 11 years old, then comments like this are seen for what they are.
4
@Phil ... This is oppression? Odd that women have had to put up with men's bad behavior since the beginning of time, but after only a couple decades of being told to back off, men are crying 'oppression' and there is even some group raging that they can't get dates, and are too narcissistic to realize it's their own behavior that prevents their desired outcome. Grow up.
11
“But, I’m innocent”
I wish Harvey Weinstein a long life, commiserating over his innocence with all of the other innocent people serving time on his future cell block. Fortunately, a court of law is not a place where a thing like ‘innocence’ can be adjudicated.
I can’t help but wonder if this dude has any idea what will happen to his appeals, in a state where the Appellate Court outranks the Supreme Court.
6
Another candidate for a Trump pardon and a visit to the White House for a medal of honor.
12
@Greg Good news! The President cannot pardon someone convicted in state court! Only Andrew "I don't want to be President but if that's what it takes" Cuomo can do that in NY.
6
Don't worry, Trump will pardon him.
Vote Trump and the republicans out.
11
@Hal and Greg in Seattle, Not possible. The governor of NY could pardon him, the president cannot. Also Weinstein was at least nominally a very liberal Democrat so I don't think Trump would have an interest in a pardon. I do like your recommendation to vote Trump out of office though.
3
Trump can only pardon federal convictions. This is NY State conviction
3
The problem with evaluating and prosecuting these sex crimes is that unlike most other crimes they occur across a continuum. At one end is consensual sex between adults and at the other end is forcible rape at gunpoint. In the middle are situations where one of the parties has very ambivalent feelings about consenting and participating. And then sex, itself, is a complex emotional experience. And then there is problem of proof- classic he said/she said. And you think abortion politics is difficult!
5
What seems to be missing in the #MeToo movement is any discussion of how women can better protect themselves and make better choices. Mr. Weinstein did prey on women but those women put themselves in vulnerable positions-in his hotel room, for example. What advice do the victims have for young women now? What lessons were learned? It isn't enough to punish the men, we must empower and educate the women to avoid these situations in the first place. The overriding advice I would give young women is: do not ever be alone with a man unless you know him and trust him-it's really that simple. Sad, but necessary.
5
@ CJ
Hmm.
I always tell someone when I go for a walk or a run. I leave a note of where I’m going and when I should be back if no one is around.
I check for people hanging out in cars near mine when I’m heading to my vehicle on my own and am aware of where other pedestrians might be.
I pay attention to what’s going on around me when I pump gas.
I don’t leave another woman alone with people we don’t know at night in remote places.
I talk with someone while in an Uber so my driver knows someone knows where I am.
I always keep my drink where I can see it if I am at a bar.
I could go on and on. And if you now think I’m paranoid, first, please reread your comment. Second, ask the women in your life how aware they are of their surroundings at all times.
If you really think women don’t know what to do to keep themselves as safe as possible, you are wrong. At this point, it’s up to men to stop assuming women are less human, less important, only there for their titillation.
It isn’t women who need to make better choices. It’s the people who see women as objects for their entertainment and enjoyment who need to make better choices.
13
@CJ I would have to respectfully disagree. I feel like this attitude ( being preventative, instead of proactive) is exactly what we need to change to see the positive change we need in our culture today. Rape, in this situation, was a man forcing himself on an unwilling women. This doesn't sound like a scenario where women need to be educated, but rather men. Educate our boys to NOT RAPE.
14
@Frances
Yes, boys should be taught to not rape but since we have no control over that we have to do what we can to protect ourselves-what other choice is there, until or unless the whole world changes?
One thing that still really bothers me (there are many) is that Weinstein’s enablers still have not faced any accountability.
Who is so naive as to believe there weren’t dozens of accomplices who enabled this man and his behavior, recruited victims for him, and helped him cover up his behavior for decades?
Weinstein is a little drop in a huge bucket. That is not to discount the fact that this is progress. But it’s not sufficient. The people who knew about this, and either looked the other way or helped. need to be held accountable for this.
30
@Austin Ouellette - Are you completely unfamiliar with the hiring practices for monumentally valuable jobs in movies? The actors run over each other trying to get in contact with a producer. They will do anything for a 60 second conversation with a producer at a party. They are amongst the most driven and ambitious people on the planet, seeking to launch careers worth millions to themselves. They don't need enablers, they self enable.
2
#MeToo is a voice of free speech, that's all. But, these court proceedings are the strength of this nation. Make no mistake, our judicial system is under stress and attack. Allow us to bring charges, prosecute and defend, then expect fair deliberation, an acquittal or conviction, always. This system needs to be maintained and protected, at all costs. Interference may result, yet.
The judicial system is always under scrutiny, rightly so. Changes fall to the US Congress and the Constitution. There's a couple of institutions worthy of close scrutiny.
13
It looks to me from what I read the Weinstein saga is in the gray zone. Many of the accusations against him were thrown out, and even those that stuck-Haley & Mann are in the gray area. Being raped and then maintaining consensual relation with Weinstein even bragging of about it is strange , saying the list. The whole #metoo movement in my opinion is 10% truth and 90% of women that are gold diggers and find it convenient to complain when it became popular to do so and compensatory money involved. Disgusting-ruining men’s life for Money when the initial attempt was using famous men to climbed up the social ladder. The whole #MeToo movement will have serious backlash on women careers and the one they want.
1
@lieberma you are dead wrong. The women simply understood that the so-called benefits were not worth the price. It is never too late, and sadly, you have understood nothing of the intricate psychology involved in manipulating AND silencing women who are professionally vulnerable. They have learned the hard way that you just don’t do deals w/the devil, w/out being irreparably harmed. The soul is something that G-d gave you. It cannot be traded or sold. You have to nurture it w/good. Evil must be unequivocally repudiated, then your conscience will be clear, & only then.
Weinstein pathetically thinks he’s innocent. He’s as guilty as Epstein ever was. No hope for either of them. Deformed human beings. Call a spade a spade.
11
Thank God. Long overdue.
32
Everyone had it in for this schlub. Too bad. Oner hopes -for the future of the species that such prosecutions do not spread like the neew Corona virus, with law offices as the vectors.
4
it would be great to hear from male feminists. and it would be wonderful for women to stop giving up their power and allowing their children to have the fathers last name
1
@Mary M
I’m pleased to see that the jury has made a decision, and that a few brave women had the courage to re-live those assaults in a court and obtain a small measure of justice.
2
Weinstein deserves to be in jail awaiting his appeal. Yet Roger Stone who assaulted our democracy, continues to spread his poison.
14
What's up with that fake "walker"? Trying to get a more lenient sentence? Give me a break.
14
Never mind the big question many are asking about why the victims continued to have sex with Weinstein after the initial encounter.
What is really twisted is that Harvey's legal team is hailing this as a victory because he was acquitted of predatory sexual assault. He should consider himself lucky. But he won't. He'll probably appeal while crying in his prison made soup.
2
@PeterW He is still a predator. Like Trump is still impeached. Just because the Republicans are sham sycophants doesn’t change the truth of the matter. And the truth is that Trump has been emboldened. That’s what happens when you let guilty people off the hook. And so w/sexual predators. They must be given stiff sentences so that this will discourage anyone to repeat this kind of unacceptable behaviour. It is deviant & it is predatory.
7
There is rarely a woman in the world who manages to escape unscathed from being accosted by men throughout her lifetime and, what is infinitely more painful and scarring, from being judged as the guilty party, even by other women. This is ancestral abuse, which goes deep into our past as a gender. The #YouToo movement, which immediately acquired a Hollywood gloss and glamour that have brought it to the brink of circus frivolity, doesn't even come close to scratching the surface. Nonetheless, today we learned that Weinstein is going to prison for what he has done to women. It's a very good day, indeed.
65
What are the odds Trump pardons him?
2
Zero. This was a state conviction.
7
@Joe Great. They're soul-mates.
Just watch Trump pardon him. Another commenter said he’d be ‘walking free’ in a year. I bet he’s at least ditching the walker the minute he’s off camera.
4
@Gabrielle Rose
The President, any President, has NO power to pardon anyone convicted of state crimes. None. No pardons. No commutations. No nothing.
6
I don't get it. What does an unjust conviction of one person of rape and sexual assault has to do with the issue of sexual harassment? And even if it did, how does one injustice help with fighting the other? They just convicted an innocent man of the crimes he did not commit. Does it really make them all feel better?
6
@David
I presume you were with the women when they were with Harvey?
Otherwise how would you know that he isn’t guilty?
5
A lot of women and some men will be happy, but I keep asking myself was justice done
By just accusing someone of rape etc. without no evidence that person is found guilty. These women never reported the matter to the police and some even went back on dates or meetings with him.
What will make it even more unsettling is if these women turn around and sue for money.
As I said I am nether happy or sad but just worried for other innocent men.
21
One step closer to equality.
2
Betting the walker will be gone tomorrow... if not sooner.
9
While I am glad this monster has been found at least partially guilty - make no mistake - this is no victory. Shame on this male-dominant jury for acquitting any of these charges. Shame on them. Weinstein is an evil, despicable SEXUAL PREDATOR. I have no words to waste on how I feel about Donna Rotunno, other than deeply believing she is a vicious beast that has accepted and enforced the systemic, institutionalized process of not believing exceptionally brave, strong SURVIVORS of sexual abuse. I can only hope that these survivors continue to exude strength, receive love and support, and can find their personal, restorative justice and rejuvenation on their own terms, as they have been FAILED by the American "justice" system. So much for justice.
14
@mf
Shame on this male-dominant jury for acquitting any of these charges.
How do you know? where you present in their deliberations?
@S.G. ... 7 women, 5 women, as noted in the article above.
@mf
The acquittals were unanimous, just like the convictions. So unless you think the five women on the jury had no agency and just went along with what the men said, they also found that his guilt was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt on those charges.
This bit of Haley's testimony -- “I’m being raped,” she recalled thinking -- addresses a powerful component in many women's experience of abuse or assault. We are socialized to disbelieve our own instincts and feelings. When victimized, we often can't quite believe it's happening. Even when recognizing an act for what it is as it's happening (as Haley did), we often tell ourselves afterward that we must have been mistaken, or that it wasn't really that bad. Or if it was bad -- well, it was our fault anyway.
This is a huge part of why victims often behave in ways that others find mysterious, such as denying they've been victimized or maintaining a relationship with their abuser, or even trying to make him feel better about what he's done to them by being friendly and reassuring.
All of this seemingly illogical behavior tracks directly back to the myriad ways that girls are socialized while growing up to not understand or honor their own feelings and to take care of other people rather than themselves. Beyond catching predators like Weinstein, this is what needs to change to truly protect girls and women.
116
@Nelle Engoron .... Accurately and well-stated comment. Thanks.
9
@Nelle Engoron
Thank you for writing this. I'm also struck by the fact that young children are effectively socialized not to scream when someone touches them, when we would imagine screaming to be a spontaneous reaction that they couldn't suppress.
We have a lot of questions to ask ourselves.
And anyone who blames the victim needs to ask themselves whether they demand submission from victims, and what that does to a victim's sense of self.
7
Sorry. But my first recall, was Trump telling police to not be so kind to the head of the criminal when putting them in the squad car.
Instead of uplifting our discourse --- must we continue to demean?
Are we learning our lessons yet?
3
@Paul
One of the problems of being immersed in a loud cacophony is isolating any meaning in the sound. This is not about sex it is about wealth and power. It is about recreating the good old days when justice was officially for sale and nobody could even believe in things as crazy as all men are created equal or justice with a blindfold.
I grew up in a Theocentric conservative province of Canada. That is why I hate Buckley, Nixon, Reagan, Scalia, .......................Pompeo, McConnel and Pence.
I cannot really hate the men I just hate the hubris and ignorance that made evil so banal.
9
It's no surprise that he repeated pleas of innocence when he obviously is not. How typical in the industry in which I worked for many years for those men at the top to see reality through their own skewed lens.
Let the sentencing commence.
32
As a white male and retired lawyer who will be 77 in April, I just read of the convictions of Harvey Weinstein, smiled and said to myself, “Good, the jerk deserves it.”
168
@sdw
As a retired lawyer, would have the same feelings if two women with whom you had consensual relationships twenty years ago suddenly accused you of raping them, even though they admitted they maintained long term consensual relationships afterwards?
Would you have the same feelings if you had a witness, who one of the women claimed was in the room the night of her rape, who said it never happened?
Would you have the same feelings if the women were immediately referred to as the victims in the media before the trial, and you as their attacker?
Because no matter how unlikable or repugnant of a human being Harvey Weinstein may be, or whether you in your esteemed estimation feel he deserved it, justice is supposed to be blind for a reason. This was a political and social hit-job even if you like the outcome and feel it was just.
The unpopular opinion is usually the morally correct one. But enjoy your smile, I guess.
9
@Mos27
Does it occur to you that the “witnesses” to which you refer were never brought before the court and no truly exculpatory evidence was offered? I do not consider evidence that H.W. kept the victims around to control them and had sex with them under threat to be exculpatory and neither did the Jury.
9
@sdw
Thanks for your response. How exactly did Harvey keep these women around him, precisely? These were adult women who didn't even live near him, much less have any reason to see him unless they made contact with him.
Why do you think that the "witnesses" for Weinstein weren't brought before the court?
One of them, named by one of the accusers, testified. I believe two women testified and their accounts were in direct conflict with what the accusers were saying.
So there was Harvey's account of what happened, the other witnesses' account, and the accusers.
The other women weren't friends of Harvey, yet they backed his version. If this is not reasonable doubt, along with the years of subsequent friendly contact, there is no such thing as reasonable doubt.
Which is my point. I don't care about Weinstein, I do care about our legal system.
4
There are over twenty women who have accused Donald Trump of sexual abuse, including rape. Of course the criminal in the White House is protected. Hopefully one day karma will reach Trump and he will be made accountable for all of his crimes. In the meantime is good to see a nasty character like Harvey Weinstein be made to account, but Donald Trump is worse, and more damaging. His day will come.
246
@Marc Castle
NYS to the rescue, if it's at all possible. Trump has no sway there and they are not his fans.
26
@Marc Castle .... Trump's day will come once he's out of office. Since he knows this, he is doing everything in his 'power' to remain in office for as long as possible..... which is why people are even wondering whether he'll leave peacefully even if voted out of office by a wide margin. If voted out, he will try to prolong his tenure by proclaiming fake news, rigged election, etc., and enrolling the S.Ct. and every other court he can think of to forestall the day he actually has to leave the WH.
20
@Marc Castle This is exactly why Trump is sinking to all new and dangerous lows to avoid losing power. He knows he will no longer be above the law without the protection of the presidency and his Republican lackeys in Congress.
17
Thank you, Ronan Farrow.
320
@The Buddy
Ronan can really stop with the self congratulating himself. This trial revealed a load of information no one knew about that reflected badly on Mann and Haley that journalists either never asked about or never picked up on. There are more gray areas in these case than anyone wants to admit.
1
@The Buddy Indeed, loved his book. As someone not involved in “the industry” in the least, I was shocked. And his book read like a thriller. Good job jurors.
2
The honeypots should be next.
Multiple women have said that most “meetings” were arranged by other women who magically disappear the moment this now convicted rapist enters the room.
22
@Opinioned!
Same M.O. as Epstein. Not surprised. Probably Trump too.
5
Hopefully for him, he'll get a door to his jail cell wide enough for his walker.
18
This is just like that Komitashu song La Caida de Harvey Weinstein
1
To the commenters bleating "not all men!" "look out for your ex-girlfriends!" "ban makeup!"-- you are part of the problem. Of course it's not all men (that's why we prosecute criminals), and it's certainly not all consensual sex or relationships. If you're still thinking this is an overreaction, you aren't far away enough from this man.
Be part of the solution and help us denormalize this criminal and unacceptable behavior that's been accepted for way too long.
106
@DC His behaviour may be unacceptable, but it was not criminal. His conviction is unjust. Injustice can never be helpful, it can only harm the cause. Just because a bad man was wronged it does not make this injustice any less terrible.
8
@DC His behaviour may be unacceptable, but it was not criminal. His conviction is unjust. Injustice can never be helpful, it can only harm the cause. Just because a bad man was wronged it does not make this injustice any less terrible.
@David The (mostly male) jury of a criminal trial disagrees.
14
Guess that walker didn't work out very well. Perhaps a wheel chair, neck brace, IV bag, seeing eye dog, emotional service dog - I recommend pit bulls - large, angry pit bulls - oxygen tent, back brace, bandages - you get the idea. and may his cell-mate be a large person nickname "Big Diva." thank you very much jurists.
29
@Sofedup
Exactly as I picture Trump! I'll bet he has already ordered all that stuff from Amazon (the same way he doesn't read the "failing NYT") and has stored it away for his NYS trials. Poor old Impeached Dotard Trump. NO SYMPATHY!
9
If this were a trial against a man who is not famous, and especially a man of colour, it is my serious belief that the minimum sentence would be at lest 10 years longer.
I would also be interest if the one lonely juror who didn't agree to find Weinstein guilty on the most serious charges charges, was a woman or a man.
Any woman who barely escaped being raped will still remember it decades later.
17
I seem to remember the split male/female jurors was 7/5, wasn't it? On such a male/female contested issue shouldn't it be 6/6?
1
Maybe those women who were assaulted by Trump, like E.J. Carroll will too get there day in court.
14
Now, let's see if Trump gives him the Presidential Medal of Freedom or pardons him.
14
Trump can’t pardon a state prosecution.
5
Was it the verdict these women wanted? Probably not, but it's a sight better than walking free. Weinstein is a bad guy and used his power to put these women in terrible spots, where no one should have to go. It's also an indictment of men who think the same way. Karma does what she does, but make no mistake, sooner or later she comes back to bite. Keep your hands to yourself.
11
If Weinstein is not a sexual predator, what in the world is a sexual predator.
Knowing the man personally who undresses attractive women during meetings, without shame while unmotivated and any means, screaming and yelling to his own people as if they were slaves during that same meeting, how meaningful is justice in the US.
Weinstein is very much like Trump, he believes that he can do what he wants because he is (was) rich and has the power to immediately fire a worker if he or she doesn’t accept his despicable behavior.
There is a false respect in the zombie Americans who have no problem with that behavior, greed is good and bad is good.
21
Now come the appeals. This is far from over. At least Weinstein is going to remain behind bars for now. If there ever was a flight risk this guy is it.
5
@Concernicus If the judge on this matter did their job following law and procedure, he will serve his time. Very hard to overturn convictions on appeal.
4
Another of the big problems holding down our country, the non ending litigation. The threats to sue, the eternal appeals, the team of lawyers defending every single move by Trump, who has wielded litigation to defend six bankruptcies and numerous other legal problems. The obscene abuse of litigation by the wealthy, the abuse of the US Supreme Court appeal to buy time and to expect a friendly political judgement. Disgusting.
5
How in the heck was this definition of a predator not convicted of being a predator?
10
How far the mighty fall.....
4
A tweet today from Ronan Farrow:
Ronan Farrow
@RonanFarrow
·
1h
Today’s outcome in Harvey Weinstein’s New York trial is the result of the decisions of multiple women to come forward to journalists and to prosecutors at great personal cost and risk. Please keep those women in your thoughts today.
196
Interesting. Sentencing: cf Roger Stone?
2
Ms. Rotunno’s able and zealous defense is a mixed bag of results; it means HW’s conviction is solid (good), it means victims had their lives dissected and assaulted all over again (bad), it perpetuates the difficulty in obtaining justice in a righteous guilty rape charge (mixed bag depending whether defendant is actually guilty of not), the victims have some measure of victory against Rotunno’s excessive tactics of ripping open old wounds (good).
7
Now we move to California for round two.
7
He can throw away the walker now. He won't need it much in prison.
9
I fully believe Annabella Sciorra. Too bad her brave testimony fell short when it came time to convict Weinstein on the sexual predatory charges. Mann and Haley were harder to contextualize but, fortunately, the cases they brought against him were enough to put him in prison. I hope all of his victims over the years can heal a bit (hopefully, a lot) from this.
9
@Kris One would have to know what the jury instruction(s) were to convict him on the sexual predatory charges to decide if he was guilty of such conduct. Although I think Ms. Sciorra is a throughly credible person of good character with believable testimony, one must also follow the law which is set out in the instructions to the jury. In either case, I commend her for her bravery to come forward, finally tell her story and testify against him. I hope her actions, along with his conviction on other charges, brings her a sense of justice and peace.
3
If we're lucky, Harvey will get to experience, in prison, what it's like to be the prey, not the predator.
6
@Bob Rape is never a just punishment for anything. And rape is still a crime in prison. The corrections system is trying to wipe it out.
The men most likely to get raped in prison are not the ones you think deserve it. Young men, especially gay men, are at extremely high risk. These guys don't just suffer a single, isolated attack. They can get trafficked to provide sex for gangs in prison.
10
This is a big win for #metoo! Now it’s time to focus the spotlight on other industry’s where these stories are all too common. I’m looking at you Wall Street!
8
"...merely ants that he could step on without consequences,”
In this era of arrogant guilt-free corruption and predatory behavior in finance, business, entertainment, the drug industry, and politics, it is a benchmark day (and hopefully a turning point) when those who act as if they are above the law and entitled to have their way with the little people finally are held accountable, brought to justice for their crimes, and then actually pay the penalty.
Thank you New York Times and all those other newspapers that do their investigative reporting.
And President Trump says the press is "the enemy of the people." Wonder why?
14
@PB Because Trump only sees himself as "people".
3
Leaving aside the hideous offenders like Trump, Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein and Judge Roy Moore whose punishments should consist of hard time in jail, there are plenty of alternative punishments that should be considered for lesser offenders whose sex crimes fall short of being capital offenses.
Al Franken, I would have required to sit in an ice hockey penalty box on the floor of Congress for the remainder of his term.
Bill Clinton, hopeless womanizer that he was, I would have assigned to writing daily letters of apology for the next 20 years to Hillary and Ms. Lewinsky and other women he had wronged, simply in the hope that doing so would keep him busy.
Anthony Weiner, I would have let off on probation because I feel sorry for all men who make ridiculous spectacles of their private parts, with the understanding that he would give up politics forever and instead seek a career on late-night TV as a political comic, where I believe his talents would have shined.
There are plenty of suitable punishments around for sex-obsessed men, some of which like cold showers and harsh monetary fines may actually do the offenders and the offended parties a considerable amount of good.
5
Weinstein's lawyer got what she wanted when she asked the jury, inappropriately in a opinion column, to "do what is right." They did, and he faces 5 to 29 years.
14
What I'll never understand about H.W. is why he just couldn't
shave, lose some weight and be charming, helpful, friendly.
With his position he could have the same number of women to satisfy his needs, but consensually.
I guess its all about control.
Congratulations to all the brave women who had to relive their nightmares.
7
@Steve Silver -
Because it wasn’t actually about sex, or his physical attractiveness or the lack, but the exercise of raw power. And impunity. And self-control. Few have it.
5
I hope a friend of his isn't, or doesn't become, President of the United States. This is all pointless otherwise.
2
It is wrong for the reporter to rankly speculate that the jury acquitted on the sexual predator count because they had doubts about Ms. Sciorra’s testimony. Jurors split verdicts for many reasons; the reporter should try to find out first before making an assumption.
7
Those who wonder why none of these women came forward earlier should look at the example of the women who did, back then. Even with solid evidence, a good career and reputation, and an immediate report to the police, those who tried reporting this type of crime were discredited and blacklisted and destroyed. Yes, some tried. Everyone knew what happened if you tried to talk, because there were some horrible examples.
35
Is this not the casting couch of Hollywood? I will not say that Weinstein was a victim of the system, yet certainly one who felt it it was norm. Shame on all those who came before him and those who allowed woman and men to believe they had to perform sexual favours in order to advance their careers. The sentence in the circumstance might be fair in this case, but in future, this sentence should be considered inadequate.
3
I'm very glad Harvey Weinstein was found guilty.
But the reality remains that most victims of sexual assault are not heard when they come forward.
I've been fighting for almost a year now to get the school that employed the teacher who raped me for several months when I was 13 to acknowledge his crimes. Even after my rapist was outed by another school were he had taught before coming to mine. Even after the school acknowledged that other children had been raped at my school. Even after they acknowleged that were probably other survivors both from their school and from the community. Even after they discovered that my rapist had had recent interactions with youth groups in the state where he now lives.
The school ceased communications with me when I insisted on their making an effort to identify and help other survivors. This wasn't something they felt safe doing. Funny: they didn't feel safe.
You'll probably never read about my school or the many other schools where my rapist taught later because the first priority of these institutions is always to protect themselves, not their students.
I would never sign a non-disclosure agreement. I don't even want money. So no lawyers are interested. I want my rapist to face justice. But that would require offending powerful economic interests. So it probably will never happen. That is how the system works.
Sadly, the Harvey Weinstein verdict will change none of this for survivors such as myself.
29
@Just Another Survivor ... So very sorry to hear about your awful experience and the experiences of others from that same predator.
If you know the other victims, would you consider going as a group to a newspaper reporter to disclose your information to people who will listen and will respond? Names, dates, circumstances, from each of you should help to put that man behind bars, sooner rather than later. Best of luck, and best wishes.
3
@cynic2 Thanks for your message.
I don't know the other survivors. The first school didn't release any names (the survivors there got big settlements even though the statute of limitations was passed -- the nature of the crimes made it worth that school's while to buy the survivors' silence with NDAs). My school didn't release any names or make any public statements; they did make an internal statement to their school community but even though they found other survivors they ignored my eyewitness account of another victim.
I have written five separate news organizations with public and quasi public records relating to the rapist. In two cases I provided an email contact address. No one was interested in following up or contacting me.
All of this is complicated by the fact that the fear of dealing with this kept me from coming forward until #metoo happened. And now the statute of limitations is long past in my state so the school assumes they're in the clear. Even though the teacher is still free and (by the school's admission) recently involved with youth groups in the state where he now lives.
It's worth adding these are private schools with powerful trustees and alumni who will do everything to protect their schools' brand. Survivors of a pedophile teacher are a nuisance, or worse.
2
@Just Another Survivor ... We need nationwide legislation to remove all statutes of limitation for all sexual offenses. The only other crime without statutes of limitation is murder. To my way of thinking, being sexually attacked murders a part of the soul forever. When we have a moral person in the white house and if morality returns to Congress, all women's groups should start demanding the removal of statutes of limitation for sexual crimes.
Sexual crimes against children should require a life sentence.
1
Money buys power and a whole lot more. Until it doesn't.
6
Weinstein immediately remanded to jail. Would that be the Metropolitan Cprrection Center in Manhattan where Epstein met his demise? Hopefully appropriate personnel changes have been made, and current staff do not fall asleep while on duty.
13
Mr. Weinstein (pronounced "wine-stine" in German) is not guilty of anything. Consider the setting, movies, money, etc.. An appeal will probably free him.
1
@Disinterested Party - Legally, he is guilty. He's just been convicted.
5
“But, I’m innocent,” the producer repeated three times to his lawyers.
Testimony, I suppose, to just how sick Mr. Weinstein is. I hope he gets the help he needs whilst in prison, and that his stay there is a lengthy one.
8
I would really like to thank Jodi Kantor, Megan Twomey, and Ronan Farrow for their incredible reporting that forced the DA to revisit charging Weinstein. Also, the NYT and The New Yorker for not caving to pressure and publishing their fine work. It was worth it - for all of us that have experienced sexual assault and could do nothing about it. You have changed the narrative and now maybe we have a tool to stop these predators (the law).
19
I was propositioned and attacked repeatedly as a young woman in my 20s, poor and trying to make connections, and I spent too much time running out of elevators where older men tried assaulting me, or I was being propositioned in strange places where boyfriends with connections took me, like backstage at concerts. What happened with Weinstein, Nygård and Epstein doesn’t surprise me, these men who refer to human beings they want sex from as “toilets” and “bagels”. I was forced out of employment by quitting or because I reported to HR. Some of the men owned the companies, but many just worked there and had no worry of losing their careers.
Young women are not viewed as human by many, many men, and young women will continue to be prey to men until those men, wealthy or not, are held accountable by law and lose what they take from these young women: power and the ability to make their own money. Weinstein and countless others have to be arrested and professionals who work with sexual abuse survivors need to be listened to.
Too many commenters in the NY Times clearly don’t know how believable many of these women are according to professionals who work in human trafficking and psychology. Many see mutual agreement where there is predation. There are tried and true tools, but laws need to be updated to match the reality of sex abuse and human trafficking. PTSD still lives with me.
85
@Christina Thank you for sharing your experience. I agree that some of the comments on here are shockingly presumptuous or just plain ignorant.
10
Weinstein is a very rich and powerful guy. No tweets yet from Trump that Trump is going to follow Trump's SOP and pardon him?
3
@Bruce
It’s a state conviction, Trump has ability to issue a pardon.
Nearly 30 years ago, I first began hearing stories about Harvey Weinstein's bizarre sexual behavior toward young women from my daughter, who then worked at Miramax. These stories of indecent exposure and worse were shocking, but they soon became just another item of Hollywood lore about powerful men who demanded sex for professional advancement. One can only hope that these long-overdue verdicts prompt some serious soul-searching in an industry that likes to glorify "bad boys" and has a longstanding aversion to introspection, accountability or remorse.
681
@Charles Michener And 30 years ago what was your response to your daughter’s stories? Did you just listen and dismiss them as “Hollywood lore”. Did you encourage your daughter to continue working for an employer who engaged in “bizarre sexual behavior” in the workplace? Silence appears to be acquiescence. Complacent attitudes are why the Harvey Weinstein’s of the world continue in their positions of power.
30
@Charles Michener seemed like many were eager to please to advance, too.
8
@Urbanite
He probably did not know what to do. When I was a waitress in L.A. during the 1980's/early '90's I worked with many actors & actresses. I have heard many a story and some about Harvey- not the worst ones about him I know now. What everybody knew was that the men had the power (=$) and the women did not. The worst stories I heard were from my female friend who was a producer. No getting away from these guys even if you were well known. That went triple for restaurants where I was treated abysmally by a few chefs plus some who thought they were.
What would you have done 30 years ago? I'm not so sure you would have acted any differently
49
I'm glad Mr. Weinstein has finally had to answer for his actions. However the bigger story is the fact that men seem to feel it is their prerogative to to demand sex, to ogle, to touch, to make lewd remarks, etc. And it's not just the powerful - it's the men on the assembly line, the men in the military, the customers at restaurants. It's the men catcalling and thinking women appreciate it. It's not treating women with respect. For the men commenting that are worried about this ruling - I would just say if you treat the women in your workplace with professional respect, then you have little to worry about. It's pretty simple.
667
@dairyfarmersdaughter
Not all men are like that. Yours truly, for example. And my son, who I raised to respect women.
It all starts in the home. Young boys look to their father's to model behavior. i suspect we have a very, very long ways to go.
49
@dairyfarmersdaughter But piggishness, while deplorable and desperately in need of change, cannot be a crime.
6
Women who don't want to be treated this way have to stop supporting it, such as when a majority of white women voted for Trump, or when women choose mates who best feather their nests over men who are poorer but better people. Equality means equality, and respect includes self-respect. Women as a whole will have these things when and if they choose to.
23
Harvey Weinstein’s defense relied on rape myths. Perhaps that was an understandable strategy, as jury verdicts in the past have often been driven by mistaken ideas about rape victims. The prosecution educated jurors and the rest of us about the complexities of sexual assault in unequal power relationships. The Weinstein jury’s convictions seem to reflect this more nuanced understanding. I see the Weinstein jury verdicts as an important step forward in the prosecution of sexual assault.
272
@Valerie Hans
The prosecution redefined rape.
1
@KBronson: how so?
2
During the Kavanaugh hearings, my wife my wife of more than 20 years told me, for the first time, of her own experience of being sexually assaulted decades ago.
She is a powerful, tremendously accomplished woman. Yet, she too has been scarred by the culture of abuse and assault that continues in this country today. My heart is broken that the woman I love could have had to endure such trauma.
Many such stories have emerged in recent years.
I hope that decent men everywhere can look inside themselves and think about their role in our society, and see that it is time to reject these values - and any group that is determined to validate this type of heinous behavior.
1033
@Beyond Concerned - good luck with that. Powerful people rarely give up their power willingly, and none of this is about sex, it's abut exercising the evil you can bc you are powerful and think you will get away with it.
56
@Beyond Concerned
Thanks. It happens to more of us than you might ever imagine. Many of us decide to remain silent, even with our husbands. And live with the torment in our minds and hearts for the rest of our days. It happened to #MeToo on January 6, 2016, at the home of a friend.
100
@Beyond Concerned
Thank you for your comment. I am terribly sorry that your wife was the victim of a sexual assault.
I found the Kavanaugh hearings to be extremely traumatic.
I was the victim of a sexual assault in 1988. I was assaulted by my former doctor in his Fifth Avenue office.
I did not tell my mother ,siblings or friends. I called my uncle, who is an attorney.He told me :"Don't tell anyone.Don't even tell your own mother." I told no one.
Several years later, I told my brother. My brother responded: "You must have come on to the doctor."
No wonder my uncle had told me to tell no one.
Your wife is fortunate to have such a loving, caring husband.
257
Look at the positive side. Mr. Weinstein, with his mobility problems, won't need to move around very much in a small cell. Even the W.C. will be close by.
18
@Jeff I got a funny feeling he will be "cured" as soon as he leaves the slammer.
6
I wonder when it will be Trumps turn?
78
There’s an election coming. “Victims” will be coming out of the woodwork around October, for maximum impact.
7
@Michael J Should had been long time ago.
13
@Michael J When his Republican lackeys in Congress stop protecting and enabling him. Which would be never unless we show up to the polls in droves in November.
1
The defense was basically this: if powerful men set up a system in which women unwillingly or at best grudgingly put up with unwanted sexual encounters, too bad for the women. And if they complain we'll just say they calculated that they ought to work that system and they're the ones taking advantage.
Why would people in this day and age think this is just fine and dandy?
21
@Di -
Because they’re afraid.
The walker suggests he learned something from the actors and actresses he worked with.
23
@JR -
I still recall how a notorious Austrian concentration camp guard used that trick at his war crimes trial. It didn’t work for him either.
4
Between 5-25 years?! Let’s see which way the magic wand the expensive lawyer is pointing.
2
Justice may come late, but it will not be absent #MeToo
8
Though he escaped the sexual predation counts, it was predation that did him in. Beware predators. A whole new legal strategy—call it crowd sourcing — could mean your days are numbered.
10
@Harry -
But we are all predators.
I wonder about all of Weinstein’s accomplices. The assistants (many of whom were women) who procured the aspiring actresses for his countless “meetings” in hotel rooms. Those who arranged the drivers and the lunch reservations and airline tickets and private auditions, who escorted the unaware young women to their awaiting doom, then shut the door and quietly walked away.
25
@Bill bartelt, they might have been (a) intimidated by Weinstein, (b) thought they needed to play ball to further their own careers or (c) combination of the first two.
4
@sanderling1
Check out this new film called "The Assistant". It sheds much light on the so-called accomplices.
1
@Bill bartelt -
He’d simply fire them if they didn't do as they’re told, and say nothing about it later.
It is now time to identify and call out those who knew about but enabled, protected and ignored Weinstein’s piggish and now criminal actions. Weinstein’s actions were long a not so inside joke in the entertainment industry on both coasts (and in Europe). For decades, dozens, if not hundreds, of people were aware of his conduct and did nothing. Those people should be named, shamed and cancelled.
13
@Charles
Yes. And among those people who nudged and winked are Hollywood royalty, people like Meryl Streep. These are people who didn't bother to warn young women, starry eyed about "meeting" a powerful producer, that they were in danger.
11
@Livonian you have no idea who knew and didn’t know. Direct your anger to the correct places. Can you really say how you would have enhance if you had suspicions or known? Doubtful.
1
MEMO TO: HARVEY WEINSTEIN
From: Bruce Weinstein (no relation)
Re: Ethics and Your Felony Conviction
Actions have consequences. Even the things you've admitted to doing violate the basic principles of ethics. Your beloved parents, Miriam and Max, for whom you named the film company you and your brother founded, surely taught you these principles, just as mine did.
You learned them in Hebrew school, just as I did.
Your great movies were steeped in them.
So what happened?
One of your defenders talked about your planning a "comeback." But now that you have been found guilty of two felony sex crimes, it is time to accept the consequences of your actions, which will almost certainly mean going to prison.
Perhaps for the remainder of your life, you can speak to your fellow prisoners and help them avoid making the mistakes you did when they're released.
Be a force for good, Harvey. Do what you can to turn your abominable actions into something positive for the world. That's the only comeback worth pursuing.
15
I’m not sure that Weinstein’s attorney did him much good with her outrageous statement about how she’d never been raped because she’d never put herself in that position.
Let’s hope that Weinstein’s conviction will be a turning point, and that all men with any power over women will really understand that they may be held accountable for any assault. Scratch that: all PEOPLE.
12
@S T is this a regret on her part? who knows if its even true.
@Jean louis LONNE , I’m not sure what your question means. Your thought is that a person would regret not being raped? I doubt you would enjoy it if you were, Jean. The implication that others do is despicable. If that’s your intention.
4
@jb Sorry, I expressed myself poorly, it was bad sarcasm, I should have said, to me her statement about not putting her self in a position to be raped, was made to convey the image that the women who were raped by Weinstein somehow 'asked' for it. Which is completely false, of course.
Billionaire with high priced lawyers fails to get away with it - that works for me. He obviously is a long time sexual predator, but lawyers playing with legal jargon are very good at twisting the story for jurors, so a few guilty verdicts and 5-25 years is a good start.
17
Just one thought for all the men and women on this board saying the women were gold diggers and opportunists. If that's true, then HW shouldn't have been surprised the women turned on him. So let this be a cautionary tale for predatory men. Sometimes the prey bites back.
14
All of you who are dumping on the democrats are giving Trump a pass? Look how many do not disclose agreements he has. Un believable how many people justify their backing of Trump. Maybe with the stock market going down you might reconsider especially considering that he got rid of an important department that was to help protect us from pandemics.
12
Years ago I worked in an ad agency where there were nonstop rumors of our top executives having sex/affairs with women, including entry level women. One of them actually resembled Harvey, very overweight with a bushy beard. At the time, I thought it was the Henry Kissinger effect with young women attracted to power.
The rumors included a room at the Agency where the top execs' drivers slept, and the fact that the Agency always had a room available at a hotel just in case our Clients could not find a room.
The rule in advertising then was up or out, if you didn't get promoted within a certain time period, you were out. So all of these young women who accepted a proposition from our management could literally lose their jobs if they didn't go along.
That's a realization I got from the MeToo movement. I bet similar things happened in many industries, not just Hollywood and advertising. So very glad to hear this verdict.
150
I think we're hung up on sexual predation. The man was found guilty of rape. The sentencing guidelines recommend between 5-25 years in jail. That Weinstein is acquitted on sexual predation is a concern left to jurisprudence and precedent. The fact of the matter remains: Weinstein is a felony sex offender in jail. That's a good thing in my opinion.
127
@Andy
Yeah.. the problem is "predation" is as difficult to prove in a court of law, beyond a reasonable doubt, as is "obstruction of justice".
Reason.. it all goes to proving "intent".. which is inside the mind of the offender and often difficult to prove with actual objective evidence.
12
Perhaps if you were a female who was harassed or preyed on and didn't get any justice, you'd view things differently.
Yes, it's good he's in jail. But there's still one thing better than a jailed sex offender. Actually, make that two. I'll hope he suffers the fate he deserves behind bars.
5
Anyone, male or female, in a position of executive power, with control or influence over the career of someone under him/her and has sexual relations with the underling, male or female, has, by definition, to be considered a sexual predator. In essence it is no different from an adult having sexual relations with an under-aged minor, or a teacher with a student. To some power may be an aphrodisiac. But aphrodisiacs are drugs just like date-rape drugs. Even when consensual sex between the boss and his secretary must be considered a form of statutory rape.
41
@RLW Daffynitionally speaking, yes, predation is a good metaphor for the sexual behavir of the empowered. But as such, qua metaphor it fails to meet any reasonable legal standard of criminality. Or rather would one seriously consider it illegal to have sex with a subordinate?
So here it's obvious that RLW confuses ethics with law. And to compound his/her's intellectual misery sex with childern is tossed in as 'predatory', as well. Newsflash: sex with minors is illegal because they are said to lack the requisite of mature choice. so can the same be said of the accusers?
2
I see he’s upgraded his walker.
132
Compared to what all these women said that Weinstein did to them, this sentence is a walk in the park for him.
29
@paul He gets sentenced on March 11th.
5
@Answers to Questions No One Asked I meant the charges he was convicted on. Thanks so much for parsing my words and meaning. I appreciate your correction and attention to detail.
That it took Vance so many years to take women seriously is the real story of impact for me. It suggests why Weinstein wasn’t convicted of being a predator. It tells me that the main impediments to justice are people like Vance, who also sought to reduce charges on Epstein. Has Vance really changed, or is he just playing politics as usual?
112
@Kathy Barker
Yeah, Vance gets no hero points in this story. Nothing he did indicates actual leadership.
24
Vance is a coward only interested in looking good and terrified of trying hard cases. The only reason this got tried is because the media attention forced his hand. Remember how he threw the DSK victim under the bus?
I tried sex crime cases at BXDA; so-called cases with “issues” like Weinstein’s were everyday fare for us. The line attorneys put their heads down and worked hard and Rob Johnson’s administration supported us, and while we lost some, we also brought a lot of justice to a lot of victims. It’s amazing what can get done when personal political glory is not a consideration.
24
Simple justice! Finally.
8
Once you hire an Israeli ops team to covertly discredit women, you simply cannot be any guiltier.
Weinstein is one of millions of disgusting predators. We need to keep up the pressure for systematic changes to keep everyone accountable. Outlaw NDAs unless they pertain specifically to trade secrets.
203
The only people that could pardon Weinstein or ask for a really lenient sentence are Democrats holding office in New York State.
Notice that nobody wonders if Democrats will do Weinstein a favor? We all know they won’t despite Weinstein’s support and money for Democrats. That’s how crazy corrupt Trump is compared to normal politicians.
30
What needs to happen is way beyond placing HW in jail. What needs to happen is that women stop being sexually harassed in the workplace by anyone. Her's a clue for the clueless:
1. do not touch
2. do not stare
3. do not use sexual language in business meetings
thats just the basics....practice this for a while.
231
@KB Agreed. But I would change your statement to "What needs to happen is that people stop being sexually harassed in the workplace by anyone." I've experienced sexual harassment by older women at work in positions of power.
15
@KB at 70 years old, I still stare when seeing a beautiful woman, I've never touched unless invited, no sexual language in business meetings, but God gave me eyes to see, and I will keep looking.
11
@Jean louis LONNE
It is just not polite to stare. Be discrete.
14
I wonder if Harvey will be using that walker in jail.
23
Donna Rotunno Esq. wears a “not guilty” necklace. You can pawn it now Ms Rotunno...
BRAVA and thank you to Ms Towmey, Ms Kantor and all the brave women and supportive men who came forward with your voices and allowed justice be served.
28
I'd like to now see Weinstein's attorney investigated for ignoring admonishments and orders from the judge in this trial. She talked to the media and granted interviews when she was explicitly instructed not to.
American Bar Association - where are you?
Hats off to the bravery of the women who came forward!
313
@Sara G2 Try the NYS bar association but don't expect too much. It likes to protect the "brotherhood".
8
@Sara G2 I agree with you about the lawyer's transgressions and the Bar needing to respond.
Will there be other cases against Weinstein or this the extent?
2
@Cecelia: I'm guessing that Weinstein will appeal but we shall see if he uses same legal team. And there are charges pending in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors deserve plaudits for not only bringing a difficult case but anticipating the defense attack that focused on ongoing relationships, and presenting expert testimony that helped bring about a conviction. Some will likely complain that any sentence is too lenient, and I wish we had an alternative to barbaric prison sentences -- for anyone. But Weinstein will go to prison for a long time.
32
Well, this shows the danger of relying on media accounts of a trial to predict the outcome, which I did myself. I never thought the jury would deliver a guilty verdict regarding Ms. Mann, but my belief was based on accounts of the cross examination. What I knew is now reinforced: never mistake what you see on TV or read in a paper for what a jury sees and hears.
45
@Dave Scott - The corollary to that is don’t make judgements on a sentence unless you have sat through every minute of the trial.
10
@Dave Scott Having served once on a NYC jury with people from all backgrounds and walks of life -- one nice thing about New Yorkers is that they can see through nonsense (to use the polite word for it.) I'm sure that they were rolling their eyes at the use of the walker. I'm sure they knew the guy was a sleaze. The source of debate (and there was obviously vigorous debate because it took them some time) was about how legally responsible he was. And I think they did the best they could to make the right call.
11
@Dave Scott I recall the august New York Times's coverage of the Random House - Joan Collins trial. The Times dismissed Ms. Collins case as trivial, and reported the trial as if Random House's win was a slam dunk. However, Collins rightfully won, and the Times ended up looking ridiculous.
3
Predators are very good at what they do, else they wouldn't be doing it. The mark of a practiced and successful predator, of any sort, is that they are able to disable their prey without being harmed themselves.
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Yes Marie!
After working in therapeutic
Environments with sexual predators,
One of the more covert
and sinister activities carried
on under the radar
Is what is called
“ grooming “
A subtle or
not so subtle use of
the power differential,
To psychologically demean,
humiliate,
Threaten,lord over,
use,manipulate,
control,enslave,
another person in the service of bringing them under your control
So as to perpetrate
sexual acts .
Obviously or not so obviously,
There are voluminous numbers of
Women, who are vulnerable .
Unfortunately due often to these
Sorts
of behaviors
Having been perpetrated upon
Them at a very young age.
So DUH........
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Unfortunately, in terms of understanding the MeToo movement, the Hollywood cases are not the best examples and certainly are not like the vast majority of cases. The quid pro quo aspects here do not explain to men what it is that they do egregiously wrong in this vein on a day to day basis and so little will change as people wrongly conclude that this is about the rarefied world of the beautiful.
I wait for the day these cases are brought by the administrative assistant or the cashier at 7-11 or the cleaning lady who are grabbed, not by the person who can make them a star, but by the person who can just fire them from their status quo jobs. The every day predator who doesn't recognize himself as such is the real issue here.
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@BG
I could not agree more! I find it curious - in a most disturbing way - that, for example, NONE of the restaurateurs, who have faced similar allegations of sexual harassment, has yet to be charged with anything. And those were people with high profiles within their industry and cities.
Hardly something that would lend any woman, harassed by "John Doe", faith that there has been a seismic shift.
46
@BG I agree with you. That’s where the real problems are.
28
@Flower Mario Batali has been charged with Indecent Assault in Massachusetts. I don't know the status of that case but you have to do research yourself. Unfortunately the media is no longer reliable.
5
Glad to see he got convicted.
Will all of the Democrats he gave money to return it? How many of his politician pals ignored his failings for his cash?
17
@Bill
Will the sex abuser, Republican Donald Trump be made to rightly face his many accusers in a court of law? Or will Trump be forever protected by the Republican party?
13
@Bill Trumps OK?
6
Waiting for a tweet from the White House on how unfair the prosecution was.
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@CG given that Weinstein was a friend on the Clinton's and a major Democratic party donor, I doubt it bigly!
22
@CG given that Weinstein was a close friend of the Clintons and a major donor to the Democratic Party, I doubt it bigly!
4
@acj , sure. Well, Trump says that "when you're a star, they let you." I guess Weinstein wasn't the kind of "star" Trump was.
27
It is outrageous that the man whose criminal behaviour sparked the backlash of #Metoo, who will be forever known/compared as the quintessential profile of a sexual predator cannot be convicted of such
24
@Rosiepi
The night is young....he still has to stand trial in CA:)
11
Very heartened to see this. Proud of the jury. Proud of the 7 men and 5 women who held Mr. Weinstein responsible for what he’s done — even though he was using an orthopedic walker during the trial to appear weak. Thank you fellow citizens.
238
Thank you to the women who had the courage to testify. Thank you for standing up and for bringing this predator to justice.
849
@PT agreed for the women who testified ASAP and did not wait 10+ yrs., only complained when the raises, roles stopped, accepted money from him because he was supporting their causes or worse start the sexual activity.
13
@Paul
I you were in a situation of having a powerful female boss, one would ruin you career if you didn't agree on having sex with her, I doubt that you would have said no.
And as far as I know, women are not equipped to rape a man.
As to waiting 10+years, many a woman does not want to relive the trauma of rape, and rather suppress their memory.
34
@Paul Please educate yourself. Victims of sexual harassment, assault, rape, domestic violence, etc. very often fear reprisal, are stuck in a cycle of power and control and/or don't trust the authorities.
There are a myriad of reasons why a survivor may choose to stay silent. But to shame them for reporting a crime is abhorrent. We should be supporting them in their recovery.
Just because a person is raped 10 years ago doesn't mean it didn't happen, nor that the perpetrator shouldn't be held accountable for their crimes.
So you either support the victims, or you don't. Quite simple.
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