“Degenerate Rapist”
Prosecutors portrayed the accused as a “degenerate rapist” who used his power to attack women and act as a predator.
Among the plaintiffs was Jennifer Siebel, the current wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom. As an aspiring actress and producer, she wanted to talk to Weinstein about professional projects in 2005, but was raped by him in a hotel room, she testified on the witness stand. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the two charges against Siebel.
Weinstein’s first trial in New York marked a milestone in legal history. The case significantly sparked the #MeToo movement at the time. Since 2017, more than 80 women have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual assault.