NEW YORK: Former movie producer Harvey Weinstein was convicted of sexual assault and rape by a New York jury on Monday in a milestone verdict for the #MeToo movement that inspired women to go public with misconduct allegations against powerful men.

Once one of Hollywood’s most powerful producers, Weinstein, 67, was convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping Jessica Mann, a onetime aspiring actress, in 2013.

Weinstein was acquitted on the most serious charges that could have sent him to prison for the rest of his life. In the minutes after the verdict was read in court, Weinstein was seen talking to his lead lawyer Donna Rotunno. He appeared expressionless. He faces up to 25 years in prison on the sexual assault conviction.

The jury acquitted Weinstein on two counts of predatory sexual assault, which carried a potential life sentence, and first degree rape of Mann.

Elizabeth L. Jeglic, a Professor of Psychology at John Jay College in New York said, “I think this verdict is definitely a vindication of all the women who have come forward and not been able to get a prosecution.” During his trial, Weinstein often appeared feeble, entering the courthouse using a walker. He some­times leaned on Rot­unno for support.

“He’s taken some good acting tips,” actress Rose McGowan said at the start of the trial on Jan 6 while staging a protest near the courthouse along with actress Rosanna Arquette and other Weinstein accusers.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2020