Disgraced Hollywood film tycoon Harvey Weinstein’s woes don’t seem to be ending any time soon. After multiple out-of-court settlements, filing of the bankruptcy for Weinstein Company and his expulsion from the Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts & Science – one would have thought the Hollywood producer would spend the rest of his life in obscurity. But on Friday, Weinstein was arrested on charges of rape and sexual abuse – and the spotlight was back on him.
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Shortly after he arrived in handcuffs at a police station in Lower Manhattan, Weinstein’s lawyer posted bail for his client for a million dollars, as reported by BBC. Weinstein saw the inside of a courtroom (after an eternity), where the prosecutor read out two counts of rape and one count of sexual act, involving two women. The case has been adjourned till July 30.
Source: Reuters
One of Weinstein’s most vocal victims and the pioneer of the #MeToo movement, Rose McGowan expressed joy at the development and said it was ‘an amazing day for his survivors’. She was also quoted as, “This is a concrete slap in the face of abusive power. It’s the start of a process, and if we can see this to the end then I hope we emerge victorious.”
Weinstein’s lawyer Ben Brafman said that he intended to ‘move quickly’ to get these charges dismissed. The NYPD issued a statement thanking the brave survivors for coming forward and seeking justice.
Source: Reuters
The first allegations against producer Weinstein were reported in October, last year. Close to 70 women came forward with their account of being sexually assaulted, harassed by the one-time influential Hollywood producer. It was after these reports came out, that movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp became a worldwide conversation and inappropriate behaviour at the workplace was reported.
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After celebrities like Kevin Spacey and Louis C.K were shamed for their inappropriate behaviour, now similar allegations have been made against Morgan Freeman. They might not be of the magnitude of Harvey Weinstein of course, but it’s about time men policed their own behaviour. It’s about sending a message, and a million-dollar bail might just be the number to get everyone’s attention.
