Editorial: Reversal of Harvey Weinstein’s conviction is disappointing, but a fair justice system is important
There’s no question that Harvey Weinstein was a sexual predator who assaulted and threatened scores of women, according to their accounts documented by journalists, during his years as a powerful and tyrannical Hollywood producer. Since 2017, the allegations of more than 100 women whose lives were shaken and scarred by his deeds upended not just the entertainment industry but all workplaces, boosting the #MeToo movement and an overdue examination of sexual misconduct and abuse of power in society. Weinstein was convicted of sexual assault by courts in New York and Los Angeles. The overturning of his conviction in New York’s highest court Thursday is a shock to all who thought justice had been fairly handed down. Although it’s some solace to know that Weinstein still faces a 16-year jail sentence in California. But this latest court action doesn’t change who he is. However, leaving in place a conviction after a trial was found to have been conducted unfairly is very much something that would change who we are — a society with a legal system that applies the law equally to everyone, guilty and innocent.