Harvey Weinstein accuser Rosanna Arquette hails courage of women who helped convict him of rape
The actress Rosanna Arquette, one of the most outspoken accusers of disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, has welcomed his conviction of two counts of sexual assault, saying it signals an opportunity to make life less traumatic for rape victims.
She tweeted: "Gratitude to the brave women who've testified and to the jury for seeing through the dirty tactics of the defense.
"We will change the laws in the future so that rape victims are heard and not discredited and so that it's easier for people to report their rapes."
Weinstein was convicted on Monday on one count of a criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree. He could be jailed for up to 25 years.
However, he was found not guilty of predatory sexual assault, the most series crime he had been charged with.
The producer – one of the most influential people in Hollywood until his stunning fall from grace – looked resigned as the verdicts were read out, according to Associated Press reporters in the courtroom.
The judge ordered him to be handcuffed and held in custody until his sentencing.
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