In Brief

• The Facts:

  Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of committing a criminal sex act in the first degree, and rape in the third degree. Sentencing is still to come.

• Reflect On:

  How many more high profile figures like Weinstein are involved in actions like this?

(Updates will be posted below as more information arrives.) It took 5 days for a New York jury to hand in their decision just a few hours ago. They found Harvey Weinstein guilty of committing a criminal sex act in the first degree involving one woman, and rape in the third degree involving another woman.

There were more serious charges against Weinstein as well; however the jury acquitted Weinstein on charges of predatory sexual assault involving two women, Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann. Jurors felt that that evidence did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Weinstein had also raped Annabella Sciorra, a “Soprano’s” star.

The judge remanded Harvey Weinstein into custody following today’s verdict. Harvey Weinstein’s attorney is already filing an appeal following the verdict.

Sentencing

The sentence has not yet been handed down. The sentencing guidelines are as follows:

• Probation to four years in prison for rape in the third degree
• At least five years in prison for criminal sexual act in the first degree

The charges he was acquitted of carry a recommended sentence of 10 years to life in prison.

On The Rise

News of high profile sexual abuse cases such as this have been on the rise in recent years. This includes the Jeffrey Epstein case which of course involves accusations against Prince Andrew. Evidence and testimony suggest that stories like this lead us to the involvement of many more powerful figures including politicians, presidents and celebrities. These are the people who we idolize, give our power to, and who make up the rules of society.

The big question is, why are we suddenly having to face these revelations so intensely as a society at this moment? Is it finally time for humanity to face what sorts of acts are taking place at high levels of society and government? How would this change how we give trust and power to certain individuals?

Here at CE, we had the opportunity to do an incredible interview series with one survivor of sexual and ritual abuse as part of an elite level ring. Her name is Anneke Lucas and she gives important insights into how people in positions of power take actions like this, and what it means for the rest of society to learn about this stuff so we can create a better world at the end of the day. You can check out her testimony in full here on CETV.

UPDATES:

– Harvey Weinstein is scheduled for sentencing on March 11.

– Tarana Burke, founder of MeTooMovement stated:

“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,”

– A representative for actor Bill Cosby, Andrew Wyatt, stated  “no way” Harvey Weinstein could have received a “fair and impartial trial” since the jury was not sequestered.

“This is not shocking because these jurors were not sequestered, which gave them access to media coverage and the sentiments of public of opinion. There’s no way you would have anyone to believe that Mr. Weinstein was going to received a fair and impartial trial,” Wyatt stated. He added: “This is a very sad day in the American Judicial System.”

Related stories: Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein & Ghislaine Maxwell Pictured Together At Princess Beatrice’s Party