23 February 2023 , 10:08
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Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein could face up to 24 years in prison when he is sentenced for rape and sexual assault in Los Angeles today.
The movie mogul was found guilty of rape, forced oral copulation and another sexual misconduct count involving a woman known as Jane Doe One, after a trial in December.
The woman said the incident happened after Weinstein appeared uninvited at her hotel room during a Los Angeles film festival in 2013.
A jury of eight men and four women reached the guilty verdict after nine days of deliberation.
Harvey Weinstein could face up to 24 years in prison when he is sentenced for rape and sexual assault in Los Angeles today (AFP via Getty Images)In her closing arguments deputy district attorney Marlene Martinez said: “It is time for the defendant’s reign of terror to end.
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“It is time for the kingmaker to be brought to justice.”
Weinstein previously pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of rape and sexual assault involving five women in Los Angeles.
After the December trial the jury was unable to reach a decision on several counts, notably on charges involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of California governor Gavin Newsom.
The movie mogul was found guilty of rape, forced oral copulation and another sexual misconduct count after a trial in December (Getty Images)The jury was also unable to reach verdicts on the allegations of another woman. A mistrial was declared on those counts.
Weinstein was acquitted of a sexual battery allegation made by another woman.
The sentencing today was delayed from January 9.
It was previously ruled that only one of Weinstein’s victims would be allowed to read an impact statement at the hearing.
Weinstein previously pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of rape and sexual assault involving five women in Los Angeles (Getty Images)The former film producer is already serving a 23-year sentence for a different rape and sexual assault conviction in New York, which is under appeal.
His initial convictions came after allegations emerged against the former owner of the Weinstein Company back in 2018 in a major development of the MeToo movement.
One woman who testified at both Weinstein trials said she had met him about a script in 2013 when he trapped her in a hotel bathroom and performed a sex act in front of her.
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Similar testimony was also heard from a massage therapist, who said he did the same to her following a session in 2010.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the charges involving the woman.
If you have experienced rape or sexual assault, Rape Crisis England & Wales Support Line is open 24/7. Call free on 08085002222, or the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673) if you're based in the US.