Harvey Weinstein: Rose McGowan and other silence breakers react to verdict – ‘A huge step forward’

Former movie mogul convicted of sexual assault and third-degree rape

Rose McGowan and a chorus of other women reacted to Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault and third-degree rape conviction on Monday, overall viewing it as a vindication for the #MeToo movement.

Weinstein was found guilty on two charges earlier in the day and acquitted on three other counts in his New York City criminal trial.

The former Hollywood mogul now faces up to 29 years in prison.

Rose McGowan, Rosanna Arquette and several other women who have come forward against Weinstein spoke out shortly after news of the verdict broke.

Many praised the women who have shared their own allegations against Weinstein and expressed hope that Monday’s outcome will usher hope for other victims of harassment, assault and misconduct going forward.

Among them was Rose McGowan, who said: “Today is a powerful day and a huge step forward in collective healing. Twenty years ago, I decided to come after Weinstein because I’d heard about him doing this to someone else, and then I heard him doing it to someone else, and someone else.

“Every one of us who has come forward, we have a name, we have a history, we have a life, we are more than Weinstein. But today, because of the brave women who bared their deepest hurts for the world to see, he’s in Rikers Island.

“For once he won’t be sitting comfortably. For once he will know what it’s like to have power wrapped around his neck. Today is not a referendum on #MeToo. This is taking out the trash.”

Rosanna Arquette thanked the jury “who did use their common sense and saw past the victim-blaming defence” and called the verdict “a step in the right direction”.

Arquette also celebrated the “brave and honest women and witnesses” who took the stand. “Moving forward, we must actively pursue strengthening laws and closing loopholes in our criminal system so that more rapists will be prosecuted and rapists will be held accountable for their crimes,” she added.

Sarah Ann Masse said: “Today, I celebrate the conviction of my abuser, Harvey Weinstein.” She said she was “disappointed” to see the former Hollywood mogul acquitted of predatory sexual assault but presented the verdict as a “triumph” for all survivors.

“Let me say this: he is a convicted sexual predator,” she added. "And this only the beginning. We will keep fighting."

Caitlin Dulany said during the call that she’s “incredibly grateful to the jury” and “it’s like the sky is blue again”.

A court sketch showing Harvey Weinstein being handcuffed in court after being found guilty of sexual assault charges (REUTERS)

She told The Independent: “This is the reckoning for Harvey Weinstein that I hoped it would be and as it should be. ...Today is a victory for all the women who have been brave enough to go on record about their assaults by Harvey Weinstein and I am particularly grateful to the brave women who testified in this case.

"These were the worst moments of all of our lives and for them to relive the trauma, the shame and the fear that accompanied their assaults and the aftermath takes courage and determination. It was their testimony that put Harvey Weinstein behind bars and I am forever grateful and in awe of their courage and moral fortitude.

“However, I am devastated by what the women who took the stand were put through. This has to change. The absolute character assassination of women who come forward, the way victims of assault are painted as liars, their morality challenged and their choices attacked – this has to stop.

"Assault is a violent act and women have no choice when they are assaulted and they always have the right to say no, no matter the circumstances. And with this trial, once again, the emotional and psychological cost of the abuser’s wrongs were borne by the women, by the victims.

“We have to do better as a society and I, and we, the silence breakers, won’t rest until we do.”

Additional reporting by agencies