Harvey Weinstein will spend at least the next 23 years in prison after being found guilty on two felony sex assault charges – rape and sexual assault. Before issuing his ruling, Supreme Court Judge James Burke heard from six of Weinstein’s accusers – and the man himself. "We may have different truths," Weinstein noted to his accusers. “I have great remorse for all you." He also said he was “totally confused” by the allegations.
Former assistant Miriam Haley wasn’t ‘confused’ in the slightest. In her statement, she described Weinstein as "completely disconnected from the gravity of the crimes" he had committed and asked for a sentence "long enough for him to acknowledge what he has done to me and others and to be truly sorry."
Someone who didn’t speak? His ex-wives. Both Eve Chilton and Georgina Chapman flatly refused to speak on Weinstein’s behalf prior to sentencing. If he’s ever released (which given the charges still pending in Los Angeles, is doubtful), Weinstein will be required to register as a sex offender.
Following the proceedings, Weinstein’s defense team said they are going to file an appeal, noting they felt Weinstein did not get a fair trial. Lead attorney Donna Rotunno, called the sentence “obscene.”
Weinstein headed off to Rikers Island afterwards was supposed to be moved to the Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill, New York, where he'd be assigned to a prison. But instead? He’s in a New York City hospital – after being admitted for chest pains. Weinstein spent days at the hospital following his conviction, where he had a heart stent implanted to remove a blockage. He remained in-patient at press time.
In a statement, the Silence Breakers — a group of 24 Weinstein accusers that includes Rosanna Arquette, Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan could only cheer the sentence. "Harvey Weinstein's legacy will always be that he's a convicted rapist. He is going to jail — but no amount of jail time will repair the lives he ruined, the careers he destroyed, or the damage he has caused."
..prosecutors in Los Angeles are moving to extradite the disgraced movie mogul. In Los Angeles, he's currently charged with rape and sexual assault. Los Angeles authorities brought the charges against Weinstein back in January. The incidents involve two women in 2013.
Source: Hollywood Reporter