Thursday, December 12, 2024

Movie Mogul Harvey Weinstein Indicted by Grand Jury on Two Counts of Rape, Trial Unlikely

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A grand jury in New York City has indicted former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein on two counts of rape and one charge of a criminal sex act.

US District Attorney Cy Vance says it brings Weinstein “another step closer to accountability.” Earlier in the day, Weinstein’s lawyer Ben Brafman said his client would not testify before the grand jury. The testimony of the alleged victims was enough to bring the indictment.

Those hoping for a “trial of the century” will be disappointed. It’s unlikely that Weinstein would put his children or himself through a length, contentious trial. Some kind of plea bargain is expected.

The downfall of Harvey Weinstein is like a Greek tragedy. He had everything in the world.  The movies he produced or distributed reaped around 65 Oscars– the largest number for a single studio. The films were of the highest quality.

But the hubris, and the insular stance that led to abuse of power was stunning. He became emblematic for women who would no longer be victims, around the world.

There will be more.

 

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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