Me Too founder Tarana Burke has led reactions over the guilty verdict of Harvey Weinstein. Today, 24 February, the Hollywood producer was found guilty of third-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual act. He will be sentenced on 11 March.
Weinstein was acquitted of a further three charges, including the two most serious counts of predatory sexual assault which carried a possible life sentence, and an alternative count of rape in the first degree.
Burke, who established the famous influential #MeToo movement, released a statement on behalf of the campaign. It said that the case served as a reminder “that sexual violence thrives on unchecked power and privilege” and regardless of profession “we all have to deal with the spectre of sexual violence derailing our lives”.
“Today, a jury confirmed what we all know: Harvey Weinstein committed sexual assault,” read the statement. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the voices of the silence breakers in and outside of the courtroom, the survivors who courageously testified, and the jurors who, despite an unrelenting and unethical defence strategy, voted to find an unremorseful Harvey Weinstein guilty,” the statement said.
“For some, this has been a Hollywood battle between famous actresses and a larger-than-life producer. Some, have tired and begun to ask whether we should care about these Hollywood celebrities.
“We would do well to ask ourselves how many of these women’s names we can actually remember, beyond the boldface few? Certainly, Harvey’s name will be seared in our collective memories, but many of the survivors will be quietly taking stock of the impact.”
The statement concluded powerfully: “And, though today a man has been found guilty, we have to wonder whether anyone will care about the rest of us tomorrow. This is why we say MeToo.”
Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd and Rosanna Arquette, all of whom accused Weinstein of sexual assault, have voiced their thoughts on the verdict.
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Today is a powerful day & a huge step forward in our collective healing
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) February 24, 2020
I'm proud of the brave women who testified, they have taken out a monster on earth. Thank you to the prosecutor & jury who said not one more. Thank you to the public for examining things more deeply. I can finally exhale
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) February 24, 2020
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) 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
Gratitude to the brave women who’ve testified and to the jury for seeing through the dirty tactics of the defense .we will change the laws in the future so that rape victims are heard and not discredited and so that it’s easier for people to report their rapes
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) February 24, 2020
Hollywood stars including Reese Witherspoon, Julianne Moore, Judd Apatow and Elizabeth Banks also shared their positive reactions.
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Today’s historic win in the Weinstein trial is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the #SilenceBreakers, and a victory for survivors everywhere. This is just the beginning. Join @TIMESUPNOW’s fight for safety, equity & justice in every workplace: https://t.co/WotjoNnlA3
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) February 24, 2020
Today’s historic win in the Weinstein trial is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the #SilenceBreakers, and a victory for survivors everywhere. This is just the beginning. Join @TIMESUPNOW’s fight for safety, equity & justice in every workplace: https://t.co/QLbO4gU4mN
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) February 24, 2020
I am heartened for his victims and for all those who said #metoo and #TimesUp that some justice has been done. https://t.co/5PYPfhRPjq
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) February 24, 2020
Don’t forget- Harvey Weinstein faces four more charges in Los Angeles. This is just the beginning of holding him accountable. https://t.co/BY3nNxmwNt
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 24, 2020
The Time’s Up movement also highlighted the fact that Weinstein still faces four charges in LA, which they hope will be met with”swift justice”.
BREAKING: A New York jury has found Harvey Weinstein guilty on two counts – criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree.
The following is a statement in response from 23 #Silencebreakers: pic.twitter.com/fXtoZ3Evzc
— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) February 24, 2020
“The jury’s verdict sends a powerful message to the world of just how much progress has been made since the Weinstein Silence Breakers ignited an unstoppable movement,” said Time’s Up founder Tina Tchen. “In two short years, Time’s Up helped pass new laws to help survivors achieve justice, helped thousands of individuals take on harassers and abusers in court, and changed the game when it comes to how matters of safety and equity in the workplace are understood.”
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR UK.
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