Oscar-winning film ex-producer Harvey Weinstein , co-founder of Miramax Films distribution house, was sentenced on Thursday to 16 years in prison for the 2013 rape of an actress in Los Angeles. Weinstein, 70, already is serving a 23-year prison term on a sexual misconduct conviction in New York. The sentences will run consecutively. Practically, Weinstein will be in prison for the rest of his life. The Judge who pronnonced the sentence was a woman, Lisa Lench. Weinstein,seated in a wheelchair and continued to deny any wrongdoing. “This is a setup,” he said. The victim said in court that he had been a “very happy and confident woman” until Weinstein raped her. “There no prison sentence long enough to erase the damage,” she said.
Previosly the sentence, prosecutors recommended the maximum 24 years. In total, prosecutors called 44 witnesses to the stand to make their case against the former movie mogul.The defense asked the judge to take into account Weinstein’s age and deteriorating health, including coronary artery disease and severe spinal issues. Years ago, sexual misconduct allegations against Weinstein helped fuel the #MeToo movement.
