Overturning of Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction makes waves, Internet calls it a 'very bad dream'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein couldn’t hold his tears of joy. The movie mogul was delighted after his 2020 New York rape and sexual assault convictions were overturned. “I just spoke to him two minutes ago. Harvey was crying. He was excited,' his spokesperson Juda Engelmayer told the Daily Mail.

In 2006, Weinstein was found guilty of third-degree rape of an aspiring actress, and in 2013, he was convicted of criminal sexual act in connection with a female production assisstant, but was acquitted of first-degree rape and predatory sexual assault in the original trial.

Harvey Weinstein accused of sex offenses by over 80 women

The 72-year-old has been accused by over 80 women of sexual abuse. His spokesperson on the new ruling added, “He was happy that finally somebody listened to him. He is waiting to hear from the attorneys and waiting to hear from the prison system what the next steps are. He's hopeful and he's keeping his spirits up,”

Weinstein was earlier convicted and was ordered to serve 23 years in a New York Jail for the two sexual assaults. The judgment was overturned by the court ruling, on the basis that the judge made a ‘crucial’ error while in the earlier trial. A new trial has been ordered and the New York DA’s office has shown its willingness to pursue new convictions.

Weinstein will continue to serve prison time over a separate conviction for rape in Los Angeles in 2022 for which he is serving a 16-year sentence. He was convicted in LA case for raping or sexually assaulting for four women from 2004 to 2013. 44 witnesses appeared during the case trial.

“We're studying the ramifications of the appeal, but we're cautiously excited,” Engelmayer added. “But we also know there's a long road ahead of us given what's happening in Los Angeles and obviously with the New York District Attorney's decision to retry. But we're hopeful on the merits and we're hopeful on the law,” he said. 

Internet fumes after Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction overturned

The internet was shocked and furious over Weinstein's conviction being overturned. 

An online user commented, "Corrupt world. Are you suprised so many people don't want to play by the rules when they see events like this? Crime pays. Money talks."

One user said, "No matter whether you support him or the women, that is a good decision. It stops the prosecution of anyone on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations and requires the criminal justice systems to try each case on its merit."

"It’s a miracle, and so will his ability to walk without the need of a walking frame in a couple of weeks," another suggested Weinstein will be convicted eventually in NY.

A Twitter user said, "Women are not even seen a human in America. It’s Gilead."

Another one fumed, "Bending over backwards to lessen accountability for men, while penalizing women at every turn."

Another one said, "Yes. Rules of evidence in every state (and federal rules) limit how character evidence may be used. The idea is, very broadly, "doesn't this seem like the type of person who would do a crime like this?" is, often, an unfair and extremely prejudicial argument."

One more said, "After I peeled myself off the ceiling, I was relieved to read one of his other convictions will still be upheld and will still serve another 12 years. He will be 84 when that sentence is over."

One user jibed, "Totally agree - very sad day for women in general but especially women who have victimised by covert predators. Honestly I feel like I'm in a very bad dream."

A user said, "the me too movement helped predators stop silencing their victims into silos, but in the legal system the victims have to prove their case in a silo — too much evidence and you have to redo the trial apparently!"

One more said, "now they want to try it again and make his victims have to testify again. way to go america."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.