As was reported yesterday afternoon, Harvey Weinstein did turn himself in this morning to authorities. The former studio head and famous producer has been one of the most public figures in the recent #MeToo movement, with dozens of women stepping forward with accusations of sexual assault. And now, months later, it looks like Weinstein has finally been charged with crimes related to these accusations.
According to reports (via Deadline), Weinstein will likely be charged with first-degree and third-degree rape charges, as well as a first-degree criminal sexual act charge. Obviously, these are not small charges and they carry potentially long prison sentences. And as the news spreads throughout the entertainment industry, we are starting to get some immediate reactions from people associated with the disgraced producer.
One of the most vocal women speaking out against Weinstein is actress Asia Argento. She has been using every platform she can find to tell her story of being allegedly sexually assaulted by the producer. Most recently, she spoke at the Cannes Film Festival, with a passionate speech saying that the event used to be a “hunting ground” for Weinstein. However, today, she’s hopeful.
“Today Harvey Weinstein will take his first step on his inevitable descent to hell. We, the women, finally have real hope for justice,” Argento posted on Twitter.
Another woman at the center of the scandal, and on the front lines of the #MeToo movement, is Rose McGowan. She, like Argento, has shared stories of her alleged run-ins with Weinstein, which also included sexual assault. McGowan has been making the press rounds this morning, talking about her shock of seeing Weinstein arrested.
“I have to admit I didn’t think I would see the day that he would have handcuffs on him,” the actress said on “Good Morning America.”
She then spoke to Megyn Kelly on NBC and said, “Predators eat people, and he ate a lot of my life and I want my life back.”
There’s sure to be more news in the coming days, so we’ll do our best to keep you posted.
https://twitter.com/AsiaArgento/status/999928659451432963
https://twitter.com/GMA/status/999988595669647361
https://twitter.com/TODAYshow/status/1000003399578996738
