Harvey Weinstein Sentenced: Disgraced Movie Producer To Serve 23 Years In Prison

Harvey Weinstein on Wednesday was sentenced in New York to 23 years in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting another. Prosecutors initially called for the Hollywood film producer to receive 29 years in prison, the maximum sentence for his charges.

At his conviction, the 67-year-old was acquitted on several other charges that would have resulted in a life sentence.

Weinstein’s defense, conversely, had called for him to receive the minimum five-year sentence. With apparently declining health, it is possible that Weinstein could die in prison.

Weinstein entered the Manhattan Supreme Court for sentencing in a wheelchair, after making frequent court appearances with a walker over the course of his trial. He also reportedly suffered a concussion while being held in Rikers Island Prison over the weekend.

Weinstein's conviction and sentencing marked significant milestones for the #MeToo movement. Weinstein is also facing charges in Los Angeles.

“This is a new day,” Gloria Allred, attorney for Weinstein’s victims, said in a statement. “It's a new day for women to know that if you have courage, there will be consequences for the predators who hurt you. So for the predators who are going to wake up and fear tomorrow, ‘Are they coming for me next?’ My answer is, ‘Probably, yes.’”

“I am totally confused,” Weinstein said in an address prior to sentencing. “I think men are confused about all of this… this feeling of thousands of men and women who are losing due process, I’m worried about this country. This is not the right atmosphere in the United States of America.”

Several of Weinstein’s victims sat together in the courtroom, including actress Jessica Mann and production assistant Mimi Haley, whose allegations formed the basis of the charges he was ultimately convicted for. The women were reportedly met with a round of applause as they left the court.