Harvey Weinstein Survivors Speak Out to Support Three Women Testifying Against Him In New Trial

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On Thursday, a collective of women who claim to be survivors of Harvey Weinstein’s abuse, voiced their endorsement for the three accusers testifying at his ongoing trial. They also commented on what they perceive as a shifted atmosphere.

Rowena Chiu, who used to work with Weinstein and is part of the victim’s group, expressed mixed feelings while watching the women testify in court today. She feels admiration for their courage and resilience in facing this ordeal again, not just for themselves but for all survivors. However, she also feels dismayed because the justice system seems to favor the perpetrators and fails to adequately address the needs of survivors.

Currently, Harvey Weinstein is being tried for two charges of first-degree criminal sexual act and one charge of third-degree rape. These accusations stem from separate claims made by three individuals: Miriam Haley, a former assistant on the show Project Runway, Kaja Sokola, a former model, and Jessica Mann, an aspiring actress. Each woman has alleged that Weinstein coerced them into oral sex at various locations in Manhattan during 2006 and 2013, respectively, and Mann further claims she was raped by Weinstein in a Manhattan hotel in 2013.

The statement released by over a dozen women proclaims their unwavering backing for Jessica Mann, Mimi Haley, Kaja Sokola, and all other survivors, including those who remain unheard. These brave individuals have testified against the man who, for many years, exploited them ruthlessly in an industry where they were struggling to find their bearings amidst systemic prejudice.

Testimony from the final accuser, Mann, commenced on April 23, wrapping up her statements by Thursday afternoon. It’s anticipated that the case will be handed over to the jury during the first week of June.

A new trial for Weinstein has been scheduled, following the overturning of his 2020 conviction in April 2024. The court of appeals decided that the trial judge made an error by permitting testimony about unproven accusations against Weinstein from other women. On Thursday, a supportive group chose to release their statement, expressing concern that this trial has received less attention compared to previous ones and that there seems to be skepticism surrounding the #MeToo movement, which was ignited by the initial allegations against Weinstein.

As a supporter, I felt compelled to express solidarity with these three courageous women who are enduring this ordeal yet again. Initially, they had the backing of activists like TIMES UP, but unfortunately, that support isn’t as widespread now due to MeToo being labeled ‘anti-woke’. The landscape has shifted significantly, and it’s disheartening to see how public perception has been influenced.” – Louise Godbold, a trauma educator who played a key role in organizing Weinstein survivors.

Even though there’s a sense of skepticism surrounding the movement and the challenging circumstances we face, our truth remains unaltered. Everyone is aware of what transpired with that man, and women everywhere can distinguish between an ordinary nuisance, an unpleasant feeling, and a manipulative abuser,” Erika Rosenbaum, a Canadian actress who has spoken out against Weinstein, stated to THR.

In the 2020 trial, Haley and Mann testified, while Sokola is a recent figure in the ongoing criminal case. The previous trial attracted extensive media attention and protests, but these aspects are absent from the current retrial. A significant element casting a shadow over the retrial is Weinstein’s health concerns; he has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, among other illnesses, and is currently residing at Bellevue Hospital.

In the course of the second trial of Harvey Weinstein, Caitlin Dulany, an actress involved in a lawsuit against him alongside Melissa Thompson and Larissa Gomes, muses on the courage of the women who are bravely testifying once more. Their fortitude is deeply moving, even more so in an era where their narratives need to be acknowledged and believed. However, this trial seems to be overlooked, which is unfortunate as it demands attention. It’s essential that these women’s voices are boosted, for their experiences carry significant weight, and we must strive to make certain that Weinstein faces justice for his wrongdoings.

Though he’s unwell and bound, this trial offers a crucial chance for justice. Those of us who’ve endured, voiced our concerns, and strive for justice must be acknowledged, listened to, and granted the resolution we’re due,” Dulany went on to say.

A significant number of group members voiced disappointment over how the justice system handled the survivors’ cases. Specifically, Thompson commented that the necessity for a retrial underscores the immediate requirement for justice system reform.

Speaking as a victim of Weinstein, I’m disheartened and exasperated by the legal system; I feel exposed and apprehensive for all survivors of sexual offenses, fearing that our stories might go unheard or disregarded,” Thompson expressed. “Significantly, there has been an undying unity among the survivors. This demonstrates our strength but also underscores the urgent need for ongoing efforts to reform how sexual assault cases are managed. We may have been knocked down, but we won’t cease to bolster one another in standing back up.

The second trial of Harvey Weinstein serves as a sobering reminder that the pursuit of justice for victims is often long, complex, and uncertain. As one of Weinstein’s victims, I am deeply thankful to Mimi, Kaja, and Jess for bravely testifying to ensure his atrocious actions are once again exposed. Regardless of the outcome of this – or any other trial – the truth remains the truth. I implore everyone to remember that the individuals involved in these cases are real people who continue to struggle with our trauma, fight for recovery, and rebuild our lives, careers, and sense of security. Trust survivors. Stand by survivors,” said Sarah Ann Masse, an actress who has accused Weinstein and founded a group aimed at ending career reprisals against survivors of sexual violence within the entertainment industry.

As a fervent advocate, I firmly believe that predatory conduct flourishes in environments where it’s tolerated. Speaking up against this injustice is like striking a spark that can fan into a blaze, ultimately expunging it from the system. And rest assured, we are resolute in our ability to ignite that spark.

The full statement is below:

As victims who have endured the criminal and predatory actions of Harvey Weinstein, we wish to emphasize today – on the final day of testimony in the New York trial – that these women are never standing alone. They have our unwavering support.

We’re proudly standing together with Jessica Mann, Mimi Haley, Kaja Sokola, and all the other survivors who have spoken up, as well as those who haven’t. These courageous women – Kaja, Mimi, and Jessica – have testified on behalf of us all, who were unfortunately victimized by a man who, for decades, exploited women in an industry that was already challenging to navigate.

The courageous testimonies of the three survivors in this court case underscore the fact that even when an abuser is strong and the system seems to turn a blind eye, survivors will never be suppressed or kept quiet.

To Jess, Mimi, and Kaja: Your truth is validated by us. You have our backing. We are united with you in this journey. A big thank you for your bravery and for empowering countless others to speak up too.

Signers:

Here are the names of several women: Louise Godbold, Tomi-Ann Roberts, Larissa Gomes, Erika Rosenbaum, Natasha Henstridge, Melissa Sagemiller, Caitlin Dulany, Sarah Ann Masse, Katherine Kendall, Louisette Geiss, Rowena Chiu, Lauren Sivan, and Melissa Thompson.

In a more conversational style: These are the names of some women I’m listing: Louise Godbold, Tomi-Ann Roberts, Larissa Gomes, Erika Rosenbaum, Natasha Henstridge, Melissa Sagemiller, Caitlin Dulany, Sarah Ann Masse, Katherine Kendall, Louisette Geiss, Rowena Chiu, Lauren Sivan, and Melissa Thompson.

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2025-05-22 21:55