- Social media users fumed as Harvey Weinstein had rape convictions overturned
- A few voiced support for the decision, saying Weinstein deserves a fair trial
- The movie mogul, 72, was serving 23 years in prison for felony sex crimes
Social media users fumed as disgraced Harvey Weinstein had his rape and sexual assault convictions overturned Thursday.
The New York Court of Appeals ruled that the movie producer, who has since become the martyr of the #MeToo movement, did not receive a fair trial when convicted in 2020.
Americans took to social media to express their disbelief, with many calling the reversal ‘disgusting and disappointing’ and labeling the justice system ‘a complete joke.’
One outraged user wrote, ‘Unbelievable. Leave it to NYS to prosecute innocent people while making dang sure criminals like Weinstein go free.’
Some shared memes to mock the decision, while others used the opportunity to comment on other controversial cases, including former president Donald Trump’s hush money trial and Daniel Penny’s involuntary manslaughter trial.
But some users voiced support for the bombshell ruling, saying anyone charged with a crime deserves ‘a fair trial, or to go free.’
Weinstein has been serving his 23-year sentence in a New York prison for the two sex attacks against aspiring actress Jessica Mann and production assistant Mimi Haley.
Social media erupted with fury after disgraced Harvey Weinstein had his rape and sexual assault convictions overturned on Thursday
Americans took to social media to express their disbelief, with many calling the reversal ‘disgusting and disappointing’ and labeling the justice system ‘a complete joke’
Some users voiced support for the bombshell ruling, saying anyone charged with a crime deserves ‘a fair trial, or to go free’
Thursday’s decision made by New York’s highest court will not free Weinstein from prison, as he still has another conviction in Los Angeles for a separate rape, which his team is also appealing.
In the case, he was handed a separate 16-year sentence following his conviction in 2022.
If his second appeal against his Los Angeles is successful, the shamed film boss could walk free.
Weinstein’s lawyer hailed Thursday’s decision as, ‘not just a victory for Mr. Weinstein, but for every criminal defendant in the state of New York’.
‘We compliment the court of appeals for upholding the most basic principles that a criminal defendant should have in a trial,’ he told the outlet.
