Harvey Weinstein, the ex-Hollywood producer, faced an additional 16-year prison sentence in Los Angeles for s---al crimes, despite seeking clemency.
The 70-year-old former American movie mogul, already serving a 23-year term for a separate case in New York, received the latest sentence on Thursday. Over 80 women have accused Weinstein of misconduct dating back to the late 1970s, allegations he consistently denies.
Weinstein was convicted on December 19 by a Los Angeles jury for one count of rape and two counts of assault involving an unnamed model and actress. The victim recounted an assault in a hotel room during a 2013 Italian film festival in Los Angeles. In the same trial, Weinstein was acquitted of another assault charge, and the jury remained deadlocked on three additional charges, resulting in a mistrial.
The recent conviction prompted the prosecution to seek a prison term of up to 18 years. Weinstein narrowly avoided a potential 24-year sentence, as the jury couldn't reach a consensus on whether the rape was premeditated or if the victim was considered "particularly vulnerable."
Weinstein, who has consistently maintained his innocence, is expected to appeal this latest conviction. In 2020, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison for assault and rape against a production assistant in 2006 and an aspiring actress in 2013. Weinstein has appealed this earlier sentence.
The conviction of Weinstein marked a significant moment in the #MeToo movement, which aimed to expose and address instances of abuse and harassment within the film and television industry.
