Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood producer whose downfall sparked the #MeToo movement, was sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Los Angeles judge. This sentence stems from a 2022 conviction where a jury found him guilty of three counts of rape and sexual assault involving an Italian actress and model at a Beverly Hills hotel in 2013.

This new sentence is set to run consecutively to the 23-year sentence Weinstein is already serving for a separate conviction in New York. While the New York conviction was recently the subject of legal appeals, the Los Angeles ruling ensures Weinstein remains incarcerated for the foreseeable future. During the sentencing hearing, the victim provided a powerful impact statement, describing the lasting trauma caused by the assault. Weinstein, who maintains his innocence, addressed the court briefly, claiming he never met the accuser and characterizing the trial as a setup.

Legal analysts note that the combined sentences effectively function as a life term given Weinstein’s age and health status. The defense team has indicated they plan to appeal the Los Angeles verdict, citing issues with the evidence presented and the conduct of the trial. Meanwhile, prosecutors have framed the sentence as a victory for survivors of sexual violence, emphasizing that the judicial system has held a powerful industry figure accountable for his actions. The proceedings mark the conclusion of a years-long legal saga that began with the initial allegations against Weinstein in 2017.