American film producer, Harvey Weinstein appears joyful after the closing remarks at the New York Supreme Court, despite facing possible life imprisonment.
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Who is Harvey Weinstein?
Harvey Weinstein is a former American movie producer and an alleged sex offender. Moreover, he co-founded Miramax, an entertainment company with his brother Bob Weinstein. Besides, Harvey is famous for his production of movies such as the crying game, heavenly creatures, and Shakespeare in love.
Harvey and his brother, Bob, are the founders of the Weinstein Company, a mini-major film studio. He chairman of the company until 2017 when several women accused him of several sexual misconducts.
As a result of sexual allegations against him, Weinstein was fired from his position as chairman of the Weinstein company. Also, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled Harvey Weinstein in line with his alleged sexual crimes.
Alleged Sexual Abuse Allegations of Harvey Weinstein
Within 25 years in the entertainment industry, over 80 women have accused Harvey Weinstein of several acts of Sexual Misconduct. Furthermore, in October 2017, a large number of women accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual abuse, rape, and sexual assaults.
Investigations into the said accusations are still ongoing at Los Angeles, England, and New York City. Weinstein was first arrested in New York in May 2018. The Authority released him later on bail.
Besides, the scandal against Weinstein opened Pandora’s box for several powerful men around the world. Soon women from different parts began to share their various displeasing encounters with men. The platform, “Metoo” became a medium for this course. Women use “Metoo” to share their own experiences of sexual assault, harassment, or rape. The effects of Weinstein’s scandal on powerful men are now known as the “Weinstein effect.”
Harvey’s Trial
Donna Rotunno is the lead lawyer defending Harvey Weinstein’s case. Just like her celebrity client, Rotunno is a top-notch, highly sort-after lawyer. Rotunno is a specialist in winning criminal trials and sex crimes in Chicago. She is who some would refer to as the ultimate feminist.
Besides, leading the opposition, is Joan Illuzzi-Orbon, an outstanding low-figure prosecutor. Just like Rotunno, Illuzzi-Orbon is a specialist at what she does. Applying several subtle and deceptive tactics, both lawyers hope to bring the jury in line with their opposing points of view.
During this trial, both sides have brought evidence supporting their claims. Messages are containing questionable conversations between Mr. Harvey and the victims. Despite these claims and shreds of evidence, there is a slim possibility that allegations made against Weinstein are false.
Harvey Weinstein trial nears final act after defense rests
Reporters waiting to speak with Weinstein asked him what he thought of the last pitch to the jury. In response, he said, “I loved it. I called it the Queen’s speech.”
The opposition seeks to persuade the jury of five women and seven men that Harvey Weinstein is a Sexual predator and must be found guilty of all five counts of rape and sexual assaults.
In her closing pitch, Rotunno described a picture of what the allegations against Weinstein depict. She warned that if caution is not applied, men accused of sexual crimes would be deprived of their human rights and their ability to plead innocent. Also, women would lose all sense of responsibility and autonomy.
To bolster her points, Rotunno presented messages containing conversations between Weinstein and the victims. In these messages, Weinstein maintained close contact with them, even of a sexual nature.
one of the letters between Mr. Harvey and a primary victim reads, “Miss you big guy.” “Not words you say to your rapist,” Rotunno said.
The challenge for Illuzzi-Orbon is, will she be able to convince the jury that despite this new-found evidence, Mr. Harvey remains the sexual monster she claims.
