Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of sexual assault following a retrial in New York, marking another significant legal blow in the high-profile #MeToo movement that first erupted in 2017. The jury returned the verdict after weeks of emotional testimonies and detailed accounts presented by multiple women who accused Weinstein of using his power and influence in the film industry to exploit and abuse them.

Weinstein, 72, was convicted on charges of criminal sexual act and third-degree rape. The retrial focused on cases previously dismissed or overturned due to legal technicalities, giving survivors a renewed chance to seek justice. Several accusers took the stand once again, describing harrowing incidents involving coercion, manipulation, and violence dating back over a decade.

The retrial comes after Weinstein’s 2020 conviction in Manhattan, where he was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault. In 2022, he was also convicted in a separate trial in Los Angeles and sentenced to an additional 16 years. This latest verdict reinforces his pattern of predatory behavior and solidifies his status as a symbol of systemic abuse of power in Hollywood.

Weinstein’s defense team attempted to discredit the accusers, claiming the interactions were consensual or fabricated. However, the prosecution built a compelling case, supported by consistent testimonies and corroborating evidence, portraying a man who used fear, fame, and control to silence his victims. The case has broader implications for how legal systems handle sexual violence allegations against powerful figures. The verdict marks a defining moment not only in Weinstein’s long legal saga, but in the ongoing global effort to hold powerful individuals accountable for sexual misconduct.

The retrial was closely watched, not just for its legal outcome, but for what it symbolized: a continued reckoning in the entertainment industry and beyond. Advocates for survivors of sexual violence have praised the verdict. “This is a monumental step for justice,” said Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement. “It reminds survivors that their voices matter—even when delayed or doubted.” Weinstein, who maintains his innocence, is expected to appeal. Yet with multiple convictions and lengthy prison sentences already in place, he is likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars.