Harvey Weinstein Keeps Repeating These Words After Being Convicted, Lawyers Will Appeal

Harvey Weinstein kept saying he was innocent after being convicted.

The disgraced Oscar-winning producer was convicted of first-degree sexual assault and third-degree rape. He will be facing up to 29 years of imprisonment, 25 years for the sex act and four years for rape.

Arthur Aidala, Weinstein’s lawyer, told news.com.au that his team will appeal the convictions, noting that the sentence was “disappointing.”

“Harvey was unbelievably stoic and strong and powerful,” Aidala said. “The words he said over and over again to me is: ‘I’m innocent, I’m innocent, I’m innocent. How could this happen in America?’”

Weinstein’s legal counsel tried to keep him on house arrest, citing health issues. The team told the court that he requires eye injections daily to avoid going blind and medical attention following an unsuccessful surgery on his back. The judge declined but Aaidala will request him to be held in the infirmary.

“We are working on assuring that Mr. Weinstein is brought to Rikers’ Island’s North infirmary unit (NIU) at the Anna M Kross Center complex or in protective custody so that he can get the best medical supervision and care possible,” his lawyer said.

Defense lawyer Donna Rutonna also told reporters that the “fight is not over.” “Harvey is very strong. Harvey is unbelievably strong. He took it like a man,” she added.

Weinstein was convicted of third-degree rape against former actress Jessica Mann, 34, and first-degree criminal sexual act against former assistant Mimi Haley, 42. The trial was focused on Mann and Haley’s testimony, with both saying that Weinstein offered to help them further their careers in exchange for sexual favors.

“No matter how powerful a person is, no matter how much mud or dirt may be flung at those who have the courage to come forward, we are in a new time,” Michelle Simpson Tuegel, the attorney representing the accusers, said. “The #MeToo era has thankfully started to unmask these systems of abuse of power, and now women can be heard and believed.”

Several celebrities have reacted to Weinstein’s convictions on Twitter. Ellen Barkin said Weinstein will remain convicted until the day he dies. Meanwhile, Julianne Moore said that his trial is a testament to the resilience and victory of the survivors.