"Stoic and strong": Weinstein's legal team responds to guilty verdict
For decades, movie mogul Harvey Weinstein got whatever he wanted, when he wanted it.
That included sex with Hollywood’s biggest names and those who aren’t as well known – even if that meant by force.
But now, the tide has turned as the disgraced Oscar-winning producer was convicted today on two of five sexual assault charges, ending a high profile rape trial in New York.
After five days of deliberation, a jury unanimously agreed that Weinstein was guilty of raping an aspiring actress in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on another woman, TV and film production assistant Mimi Haleyi, in 2006.
The 67-year-old was convicted of first degree sexual assault and third degree rape. He is facing up to 29 years in prison and will be sentenced on March 11.
The first charge carries a sentence of 5-25 years behind bars with the second carrying a minimum probationary period and a maximum four year jail term.
Speaking to news.com.au, Weinstein’s lawyer Arthur Aidala said that his team will appeal the convictions which he said is “disappointing”.
“Harvey was unbelievably stoic and strong and powerful,” said Mr Aidala.
“The words he said over and over again to me is: ‘I’m innocent, I’m innocent, I’m innocent. How could this happen in America?”
Donna Rutonna, lead defence lawyer told reporters outside court that “the fight is not over”.
“Harvey is very strong. Harvey is unbelievably strong. He took it like a man,” she said.
Meanwhile, a slew of global celebrities took to social media to express their heartfelt reactions to the verdict:
off he goes to prison - where he belongs - over 80 women accused him of rape - imagine the total number? #HarveyWeinsteinGUILTY #RAPIST and lets not forget #trumpSEXcrimes #guilty
— ROSIE (@Rosie) February 24, 2020
For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere, thank you.#ConvictWeinstein #Guilty
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) February 24, 2020
The beginning of #justice. More to come, my sisters. #weinsteinguilty
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) February 24, 2020