Harvey Weinstein’s Conviction Overturned: Netizens Decry Double Standards

THE New York Court of Appeals has overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 conviction. The court cited the judge’s “egregious” improper rulings during the landmark #MeToo trial, which it deemed prejudicial to the former Hollywood producer.

“Order reversed and a new trial ordered,” the ruling stated.

“The accused has a right to be held to account only for the crime charged and, thus, allegations of prior bad acts may not be admitted against them for the sole purpose of establishing their propensity for criminality,” Judge Jenny Rivera wrote.

Despite this decision, Weinstein will continue to serve time behind bars due to his 2022 conviction in another rape case. The verdict has ignited widespread outrage, with many condemning it as an “outrageous, disgusting” development. Others see it as a cautionary tale amidst the ongoing trials involving Donald Trump.

” What. The. Actual. Fuck. Harvey Weinstein’s New York conviction from 2020 was just overturned in a 4-3 decision by the Court of Appeals. Apparently, they thought his trial was unfair because they judged him on too much of his past evil. Why is the law THIS stupid?” fumed one X user. 

“Just when you think justice is served, it takes an unexpected detour,” another netizen posted.

This is beyond disappointing. The justice system failed us yet again. It’s disheartening to see how the past evil of someone like Weinstein can be overlooked. Stay strong, we’ll keep fighting for justice,” next comment read.

 Many linked the verdict to the Donald Trump trials, underscoring the need for careful evaluation. Others spoke out in favour of the former POTUS amid his landmark hush money trial in New York. 

Weinstein is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence after being convicted in February 2020 of sexually assaulting a former production assistant in 2006, and raping an aspiring actress in 2013. He was separately given a 16-year prison sentence in California after his conviction for the 2013 rape of an actress in Los Angeles. He will now face a fresh trial in the 2020 case.