Weinstein Convicted of Rape, Assault 

Harvey Weinstein was convicted Monday of sex assault and rape in the third degree but acquitted of more serious charges that could have put him in prison for life, a triumphant but bittersweet moment for the #MeToo movement and for the dozens of women whose claims helped topple the former Hollywood titan.

On the fifth day of deliberations, a Manhattan jury found Weinstein guilty of raping Jessica Mann, a former aspiring actor, in 2013 and of sexually assaulting Mimi Haleyi, a former “Project Runway” production assistant, in 2006. In a victory for the defense, Weinstein was acquitted of predatory sexual assault and of first-degree rape involving Mann, the most serious charges he faced.

Weinstein, 67, faces up to 25 years in prison—and a minimum five years—on the criminal sex act conviction, which relates to Haleyi’s allegation that he forcibly performed oral sex on her. Rape in the third degree, related to the assault on Mann, is punishable by up to four years in prison. Sentencing was set for March 11, and Judge James Burke ordered Weinstein held in jail until then.

Weinstein had no visible reaction as the verdicts were read. After the jury was dismissed, he struggled to his feet with the help of court officers and left the courtroom.

Read More (...)