Weinstein Faces Six New Sexual Assault Charges In Los Angeles

Topline

Convicted sex offender and disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein faces six new charges of sexual assault in Los Angeles, including allegations of forcible rape dating back to 2004.

Key Facts

Key Background

Weinstein pleaded not guilty to five felony charges in New York and has consistently denied that his sexual encounters were anything other than consensual. The jury, after finding him not guilty of predatory sexual assault and rape in the first degree, convicted him of the three lesser charges and he was sentenced on March 11. Accusations against Weinstein followed shocking revelations published by the New Yorker and the New York Times in 2017 that painted a picture of decades of sexual abuse and ignited the #MeToo movement. 

Tangent

In the three years since the #MeToo movement gained national renown, only 45% of men and 28% of women working in the entertainment industry believe there has been any improvement in addressing the abuse of power inherent in the industry, according to a survey released last week.

Big Number

100. That is at least how many women came forward to accuse Weinstein of sexual assault and abuse while he was on trial in New York. Six women testified at his trial. 

Crucial Quote

“I am thankful to the first women who reported these crimes and whose courage have given strength to others to come forward,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement.

Further Reading

Harvey Weinstein Faces Six Additional Sexual Assault Charges in Los Angeles (New York Times)

Less Than 50% Of Entertainment Industry Says Any Progress Made Since #MeToo, Survey Says (Forbes)

Harvey Weinstein Found Guilty In Sexual Assault Trial, Already Filing Appeal (Forbes)