Story at a glance
- Ahead of Harvey Weinstein’s sentencing hearing, his defense attorneys ask the judge for leniency.
- Weinstein faces between five to 29 years in prison.
- He was found guilty on two counts of felony sex crimes and faces another hearing for his New York City rape conviction.
Citing Harvey Weinstein’s “historic fall from grace” and severe preexisting health issues, the former Hollywood producer’s legal team is asking the judge for leniency ahead of another landmark hearing on Wednesday in New York City.
Weinstein, 67, was found guilty of two felony sex crimes — rape and criminal sex acts — after six women testified against him in a Manhattan court. He was acquitted of three other counts, including predatory sexual assault, the most serious charge against him.
Weinstein reportedly faces a possible sentence between five and 29 years.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that in a letter filed Monday, Weinstein’s defense team, spearheaded by attorney Donna Rotunno, asked the presiding Judge James Burke to give Weinstein the minimum sentence of five years. Conversely, prosecutors recommend the maximum sentence.
“He has lost his means to earn a living. Simply put, his fall from grace has been historic, perhaps unmatched in the age of social media,” Weinstein’s attorneys reportedly wrote.
His lawyers said he is further punished because he “cannot walk outside without being heckled,” and that “the grave reality is that Mr. Weinstein may not even outlive that term” of 29 years.
Weinstein’s health has been a topic since the start of the New York trial, as he consistently arrived with the help of a walker and, upon receiving his guilty verdict on Feb. 24, was taken to Rikers Island in an ambulance after complaining of chest pains and exhibiting signs of high blood pressure, according to reports.
Per ABC News, Weinstein’s attorneys also noted that he is a first-time offender with a history of charitable work.
Leigh Gilmore, professor and author of “Tainted Witness: Why We Doubt What Women Say About Their Lives,” said it would be “crushing” for Weinstein’s victims if he is given a light sentence.
“Light sentences send the message that the court feels more sympathy for the rapist than the victim,” Gilmore explained. “Proportional sentences send the message that there will be accountability for sexual violence.”
Echoing the need for a robust sentence is Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, who said in a statement after February’s verdict that, “This case reminds us that sexual violence thrives on unchecked power and privilege. The implications reverberate far beyond Hollywood and into the daily lives of all of us in the rest of the world.”
Burke also criticized the “incredibly narrow and unjust set of laws governing sexual assault,” and that “though he was not convicted on all counts, Harvey Weinstein will have to answer for his crimes.”
Many of Weinstein’s other accusers came forward on social media to express their gratitude to the women who testified against him.
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
One victim who testified at the Manhattan trial, actress Annabella Sciorra, said her testimony was “painful but necessary” and that she hopes “for continued righteous outcomes that bring absolute justice.”
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