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| Eric Schneiderman (Variety, 2017) |
There have now been over 60 allegations of misconduct levelled against Harvey Weinstein. While the stories of those affected are at the forefront of public discussion and sympathies, is it likely that the movie mogul will suffer beyond his reputation? Say, in a court of law?
The difficulty with many sexual misconduct and assault allegations being prosecuted is that they can be so hard to prove - it is often one party's word against another as much of it takes place behind closed doors.
But there is hope that some cases against Weinstein will make it to the courts; Beverly Hills Police submitted two cases to the LA district attorney last month, the LAPD submitted three earlier this month and in London, the Metropolitan Police are investigating nine claims against him. There is even a lawsuit against the Weinstein Company attempting to ensure a change in management and that alleged victims of the executive's misconduct will be compensated before the impending sale of the company.
Schneiderman on the Weinstein Company investogation
(Guardian News, 2018)
These are the kind of steps that are reassuring at this stage in the scandal. The aforementioned lawsuit has been very clear about the necessity of a management alteration because of the complicity of their HR department in the misconduct by failing to investigate allegations, which had been made against Weinstein on numerous occasions. NY state attorney general Eric Scheiderman's attitude is clear; now that the guilty parties have been exposed and investigated, all must be held to account and we must rewire the system to ensure that change is sustained.
The less reassuring development is Weinstein's continuing therapy. As Anna North discusses in Vox, the idea of rehabilitating powerful men is one that provides an easy way out for the rich. It's a chance to hide away until the storm has passed and return reformed, as Mel Gibson has recently done. Put simply, the punishment should fit the crime, not the bank balance.
Do you think Harvey Weinstein will face the courts? How about a comeback ten years down the line? Comment and share with your thoughts!
Read more:
- Updates on Weinstein since the scandal broke
- The details on a case against Weinstein which could lead to jail time
- Listen: A podcast discussing how Weinstein could be prosecuted (also available here):
See 'Bibliography' tab on home page for all references.
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