Los Angeles:
Hollywood stars, including several actresses who have accused Harvey Weinstein of assault, reacted with shock and outrage on Thursday after the former film producer's sex crimes conviction was overturned in New York.
Rosanna Arquette, Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino were among those who spoke out when Weinstein's 2020 conviction for rape and sexual assault was overturned by the city's highest court on Thursday.
Weinstein – who is also serving a separate 16-year rape sentence handed down in California – has been granted a new trial in New York.
Here are some key reactions to the toppling of one of the defining cases of the #MeToo movement:
“Harvey was rightly convicted. It is unfortunate that the court overturned his conviction. As a survivor, I am extremely disappointed” – Rosanna Arquette, actress and Weinstein accuser, told The Hollywood Reporter.
“This is unfair to the survivors. We live in our truth. We know what happened” — Ashley Judd, the first actress to take to Instagram to publicize allegations against Weinstein.
“Shocked!…Since when do courts not allow evidence of a pattern of prior bad actions to be admitted? He is a prolific serial predator who has raped/harmed over 200 women! Disgusted with the justice system that twists predators and not victims” — Mira Sorvino, actress and Weinstein accuser, via social media platform
“I woke up to this news. I feel more than ever how important it is to continue to break the silence about sexual predators and support victims as they speak out” — Katherine Kendall, actress and Weinstein accuser, via Instagram.
“This is an ongoing failure of the justice system – and the courts – to take survivors seriously and protect our interests. (Manhattan District Attorney Alvin) Bragg ran for office in 2021 because his predecessor failed so many of us. We expect him to pursue Weinstein now” — Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, model and accuser of Weinstein, via X.
“Let this be a reminder of how rigged the American justice system is against women and sexual assault survivors, and what it takes to 'prove' your truth in this world” — Amber Tamblyn, actress, via Instagram.
“They will never topple who we are. Blessings to everyone who gave their all #spirit #courage #unity” — Rose McGowan, actress and Weinstein accuser, via Instagram.
“This is a stark reminder that the criminal justice system is not designed to serve actual justice and that anyone who insists that 'I too am over' or 'has gone too far' need to look at the real state of the world. ” — Sarah Ann Masse, actress and Weinstein accuser, via email.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Our staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)