Ashley Judd Unfazed Harvey Weinstein Overturned Conviction

Ashley Judd speaks out as Harvey Weinstein's conviction is overturned, sparking backlash and concern for the fight against sexual assault.

Ashley Judd remains steadfast in her truth amidst the recent overturning of Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault conviction. The foundation of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood was rocked when the New York Court of Appeals made the decision to reverse Weinstein's felony sex crimes conviction. Judd, who was one of the first actresses to come forward with allegations against Weinstein, did not stay silent in the face of this judgment.

In response to the overturned conviction, Judd released a statement to The New York Times expressing her disappointment and calling the judgment "unfair to survivors." She emphasized the importance of survivors continuing to speak their truth, despite legal setbacks. At a news conference in Manhattan, Judd highlighted the negative impact of Weinstein's legal victory on the fight against sexual assault, describing it as a reflection of the male entitlement to women's bodies in America.

Judd criticized the verdict as an "act of institutional betrayal" and stressed the importance of survivors being able to share their stories without fear of retribution. She called for a space where survivors can contribute without the threat of violence or having their voices silenced. Judd was at the forefront of the backlash against Weinstein's judgment, with other victims like Katherine Kendall, Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, and Sarah Ann Masse also speaking out.

The decision to overturn Weinstein's conviction was made by a majority female panel of judges in a tight 4-3 vote. The Court of Appeals found that the judge in the initial 2020 case had allowed witnesses to testify about accusations that were not directly related to the charges against Weinstein. This led to his conviction on criminal sex act and rape charges, resulting in a 23-year prison sentence.

Despite the overturned conviction, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on Weinstein's current prison sentence, as he is already serving a 16-year term. Additionally, Weinstein faces separate rape and sexual assault charges in California, which could also be subject to reversal. The future of Weinstein's legal battles remains uncertain, but survivors like Judd continue to advocate for justice and change in the fight against sexual assault.