Harvey Weinstein, 67, was sentenced to serve 23 years in prison on Wednesday, which spoke as a moment of reckoning for the #MeToo movement prompted by Weinstein’s case of sexual assault and harassment.
The sentence reflected 20 years for the conviction of a criminal first degree sexual act against Mimi Haley, a “Project Runway” production assistant, and 3 years for third-degree rape against Jessica Mann, an aspiring actress. He also received an additional 10 years of post-release supervision.
Speaking ahead of his sentencing arriving in a wheelchair, Weinstein said he was worried for the country, and for the due process of thousands of men. He stated he had “no great powers” in the industry and that he couldn’t “blackball” anyone, adding that he felt he had legitimate relationships with the accusers.
Haley said she hoped the sentencing was long enough for Weinstein to acknowledge “what he’s done and to be truly sorry.”
Mann said Weinstein “used his power over the powerless” and her experience was “a recurring nightmare.” She asked for him to receive the maximum sentence, calling it accountability for Weinstein.
“I’m not here to give any more power over to the man who stole my body,” she said.
From NBC News.