Harvey Weinstein's conviction Monday was a bittersweet moment for many of his accusers and others involved in the #MeToo movement.
Weinstein was found guilty of criminal sexual assault and of rape in the third degree, but was acquitted of the more serious charges of predatory sexual assault and of rape in the first degree.
In a joint statement, the "Silence Breakers," a group of women who have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, including actresses Ashley Judd and Rosanna Arquette, shared that while they found it "disappointing that today's outcome does not deliver the true, full justice that so many deserve," they were satisfied that "Harvey Weinstein will now forever be known as a convicted serial predator."
"This conviction would not be possible without the testimony of the courageous women and the many women who have spoken out. Despite intimidation from Weinstein’s legal team, they courageously shared their stories with the jury, the courtroom and the world," the statement continued. "This has been a flawed process from the beginning but has further exposed the difficulties women face in coming forward to tell the truth about powerful abusers. Their bravery will forever be remembered in history."
MORE: Timeline: Harvey Weinstein's path to his New York City rape and sexual assault trialA spokeswoman for the #MeToo movement also released a statement, commending the survivors "who courageously testified" and the jury members who delivered the verdict.
"Harvey Weinstein operated with impunity and without remorse for decades in Hollywood. Yet, it still took years, and millions of voices raised, for one man to be held accountable by the justice system.," the statement read. "For some, this has been a Hollywood battle between famous actresses and a larger-than-life producer. Some, have tired and begun to ask whether we should care about these Hollywood celebrities."
"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," the statement continued. "Whether you are an office worker, a nanny, an assistant, a cook, a factory worker--- we all have to deal with the spectre of sexual violence derailing our lives. And, though today a man has been found guilty, we have to wonder whether anyone will care about the rest of us tomorrow. This is why we say MeToo."
MORE: Harvey Weinstein verdict live updates: Guilty on two countsOthers also reacted to the verdict on social media. Those sentiments are below.
Gratitude to the brave women who’ve testified and to the jury for seeing through the dirty tactics of the defense .we will change the laws in the future so that rape victims are heard and not discredited and so that it’s easier for people to report their rapes
— Rosanna Arquette🌎✌🏼 (@RoArquette) February 24, 2020
Right now Harvey Weinstein is on his way to prison. These are the women who put him away...
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) February 24, 2020
Mimi Haleyi
Jessica Mann
Annabella Sciorra
Dawn Dunning
Lauren Young
Tarale Wulff
ABC News was not previously naming Jessica Mann, but she is now being identified because she has told the district attorney's office that she does not object to being named publicly.
Right now convicted rapist harvey weinstein is sitting handcuffed in a car on his way to prison.
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) February 24, 2020
Harvey Weinstein is now a convicted rapist.
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) February 24, 2020
If there's a man who doesn't deserve bail, it's him.
For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere, thank you.#ConvictWeinstein #Guilty
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) February 24, 2020
This isn’t my personal victory. My thoughts on the Weinstein verdict. #metoomvmt #silencebreakers https://t.co/LDo7mEtXGy
— Tarana (@TaranaBurke) February 24, 2020
(1/3) This trial - & today's verdict - mark a new era of justice not just for Weinstein survivors, but for all survivors of harassment, abuse & assault at work. It sends a powerful message on how much progress we've made since the #SilenceBreakers ignited an unstoppable movement. https://t.co/OOoShZ9jMx
— Tina Tchen (@TinaTchen) February 24, 2020
Bye, Weinstein! Don’t let that jail cell door hit your fake walker on the way out.
— Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) February 24, 2020
Today is a powerful day & a huge step forward in our collective healing
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) February 24, 2020
Today is a victory for the #SilenceBreakers who refused to be silent about Weinstein, igniting a global reckoning.
— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) February 24, 2020
It’s a victory for survivors everywhere - and for all those who believe in justice.
Read our full statement from @TinaTchen: https://t.co/EYePvrWJlI
For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere, thank you.#ConvictWeinstein #Guilty
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) February 24, 2020
The beginning of #justice. More to come, my sisters. #weinsteinguilty
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) February 24, 2020
If you or someone you know experienced sexual assault and is seeking resources, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
