Harvey Weinstein Gets 16-Year Prison Sentence In Rape Trial

Harvey Weinstein is a former American film producer who was accused of sexual harassment and assault by numerous women in 2017, sparking the #MeToo movement. The accusations against Weinstein ranged from unwanted advances to rape, and some of his alleged victims were high-profile actresses in the entertainment industry.

Following the accusations, Weinstein was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and rape. He was found guilty of sexual assault and rape in a New York court and sentenced to 23 years in prison. He was also charged with additional sexual assault crimes in Los Angeles when Jane Doe#1 accused Weinstein of appearing at her hotel room uninvited and bullying his way inside before sexually assaulting her.

According to Deadline, Weinstein was sentenced to an additional 16 years behind bars on top of his initial 23-year prison sentence. The verdict was handed down during his recent hearing at the illustrious Clara Shortbridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center courtroom.

In a firm but measured tone, Judge Lisa B. Lench announced that Weinstein would be serving a total of 16 years behind bars for his crimes. The sentence was broken down into three parts: eight years for count 1, six years for count 2, and two years for count 3.

But that wasn’t all. Judge Lench made it clear that the sentences were to be served consecutively. The incarcerated former producer addressed the courtroom still claiming to be innocent.

“I maintain that I’m innocent,” he said. I never raped or sexually assaulted Jane Doe #1. I never knew this woman, and the fact is she doesn’t know me. This is about money.” 

“Please don’t sentence me to life in prison,” the soon-to-be 71-year-old added. “I don’t deserve it. There are so many things wrong with this case.” 

The former producer has been behind bars and housed in Los Angeles’ Twin Towers Correctional Facility since he was extradited from a prison outside Buffalo in 2021. Despite the mounting allegations of sexual assault and misconduct that have been levied against him, Weinstein has remained steadfast in his claim of innocence. In his defense, he has maintained that any sexual encounters he had with his accusers were entirely consensual.

In a dramatic turn of events, Harvey Weinstein’s legal team filed a motion requesting a new trial on the grounds of a purportedly false impression left on the jury regarding the credibility of Jane Doe #1 and her allegations. However, their plea was swiftly dismissed by Judge Lench, dashing any hopes for the convicted rapist.

To make matters more complicated, Jane Doe #1 filed a civil lawsuit against Weinstein claiming sexual battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress regarding the alleged sexual assault in her hotel room. That suit led the defense team to say that the witness lied on the stand during the trial and that Jane Doe #1 is looking for money.

Based on the sentences, it looks like Harvey Weinstein may never get out of prison again. We will, however, have to wait and see if his legal team chooses to appeal this decision. Stay tuned to Thirsty For News as we keep you updated on this story.

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