Disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein turned himself into police in New York City Friday morning to face criminal charges brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
For at least some of the dozens of women who came forward in recent months to accuse Weinstein of alleged sexual assault or misconduct, this is a day they have been waiting for.
Ashley Judd, who sued Weinstein earlier this year alleging he damaged her career in retaliation for turning down his advances, tweeted a statement late Friday that called the charges "a watershed event."
1 of 2: That Harvey Weinstein, a powerful man who thrived and flourished as he shattered and abused women in a culture of impunity was arrested and charged is resoundingly significant. It is a watershed event, an irreversible pivot away from tacit and explicit license to exploit
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) May 26, 2018
to clarity about unacceptable behavior no longer being tolerated. Today, these images of Harvey in handcuffs are possible because of the voices, backbone, & determination, in spite of the unknown & retaliation, demonstrated by survivors & the journalists who reported our stories.
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) May 26, 2018
Accuser Asia Argento, who has claimed Weinstein forced oral sex on her in 1997, didn't mince words when she tweeted, "Today Harvey Weinstein will take his first step on his inevitable descent to hell. We, the women, finally have real hope for justice."
Today Harvey Weinstein will take his first step on his inevitable descent to hell. We, the women, finally have real hope for justice. https://t.co/or8qGaNO93
— Asia Argento (@AsiaArgento) May 25, 2018
Argento's boyfriend and famed chef, Anthony Bourdain, supported her, adding, "When you went on record, @AsiaArgento you were sure this day would never come, that you would be crushed, that you were alone. And yet you did it anyway. #perpwalk."
When you went on record, @AsiaArgento you were sure this day would never come, that you would be crushed, that you were alone. And yet you did it anyway. #perpwalk pic.twitter.com/sGzI1qUjx7
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) May 25, 2018
“The Hand that Rocks the Cradle” actress Annabella Sciorra, who has accused the former producer of rape in the early 1990s, has been tweeting ever since it was announced Thursday that Weinstein would be turning himself into police.
"Can’t wait!" she wrote after the news broke, followed by, "Anyone know where I can get front row seats?!"
Anyone know where I can get front row seats?! https://t.co/L3zFjzWdUw
— Annabella Sciorra (@AnnabellSciorra) May 24, 2018
Another actress who was among the first women to accuse Weinstein of harassment, Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, added a one-word hashtag, "#Justice."
#Justice...
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) May 25, 2018
Harvey Weinstein will be charged with rape, abuse https://t.co/K4EWGYPnsp
Time's Up, an organization born out of the Weinstein scandal that is dedicated to fighting inequality and injustice in the workplace, also posted a lengthy note online.
"Today a man whose actions were so egregious that they spawned a global reckoning has been taken into custody," the statement read. "Harvey Weinstein shattered the lives of an untold number of women. We stand with them, and remain in solidarity with women everywhere who have faced unsafe and abusive workplaces. We look forward to seeing justice prevail."
Harvey Weinstein shattered the lives of an untold number of women. We stand with them, and remain in solidarity with women everywhere who have faced unsafe and abusive workplaces. We look forward to seeing justice prevail. (2/2)
— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) May 25, 2018
Actress and photographer Katherine Kendall, who told ABC News’ “Nightline” that after she refused to give Weinstein a massage in the early ‘90s, he asked her to show him her breasts, says she feels “so surreal.”
“It felt like a real victory,” Kendall told “Nightline.” “He deserves his day in court and so do we.”
“I keep thinking of all the women that I've talked to and I met over this period of time who have worked so hard and been so brave and have suffered so much and put themselves on the line to commit to bringing him down because they believe he deserves that,” Kendall added. “They were you know put through the wringer and I can't help but think of those women right now.”
Weinstein, 66, has been accused by dozens of women of sexual misconduct and has been investigated by the New York Police Department, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the New York Attorney General’s Office, the Los Angeles Police Department and U.K. authorities. He has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex.
This is an ongoing story with more reactions coming in this morning. Check back on "GMA" and ABC News Digital for updates.
