UK prosecutors discontinue indecent assault charges against Harvey Weinstein

UK prosecutors have dropped two charges of indecent assault against Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood producer.

Two years ago, the CPS approved the Metropolitan police’s decision to charge Weinstein with two counts of indecent assault against a woman who was in her fifties at the time of the announcement. The incident took place in London in 1996.

Nonetheless, on Thursday, the CPS announced that they would be dropping the charges due to insufficient evidence that would lead to a successful conviction.

The announcement was made to everyone involved, as stated in a press release.

Frank Ferguson, the leader of the CPS's special crime and counter-terrorism division, stated that they urge anyone who may have been a victim of sexual assault to speak out and contact the police. They are committed to prosecuting offenders whenever the legal criteria are met.

Lysette Anthony, a British actress who was one of many women to accuse Weinstein, expressed sadness upon hearing the news.

"It has taken a toll on numerous women who have spoken out, and we have had every cause for optimism," stated Anthony, who informed the Metropolitan police that she was assaulted by Weinstein at her London residence in the late 1980s.

"In the grand scheme of things, there is still a significant impact being made by what we can refer to as highly-paid legal groups," remarked the actress, expressing doubt about whether Weinstein would ultimately face a life sentence.

She expressed to the Guardian that it was crucial for the prime minister and the British government to closely examine and update the CPS and legislation regarding sexual assault and rape.

"I understand the toll it has taken to speak out, not just for me but for other women as well. The things that have happened to me and others are truly terrible," stated Anthony. She mentioned that she is still in contact with the police and commended the dedication of certain officers, but also conveyed her disappointment with the overall system.

Weinstein is currently being held at Rikers Island jail complex in New York as he awaits a new trial in Manhattan. This comes after his 2020 rape conviction was reversed by a majority decision from the New York court of appeal.

The person who helped start the movie company Miramax in California and was also a sex offender, suffered a major downfall in October 2017. This happened when the New York Times released a story that talked about many accusations of sexual harassment against him that had been going on for decades.

Actresses Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd were among the women who spoke out before he was fired by his company's board. The New Yorker magazine detailed accusations from 13 other women.

Following a court case in New York in the year 2020, he was given a 23-year prison term in March for committing rape and sexual assault. Additionally, he received a 16-year prison sentence in February of the previous year for raping an actress in Los Angeles in 2013. He is currently challenging the decision made in that case.

The verdicts were celebrated as significant successes in the #MeToo movement, which was energized by the large number of women who spoke out with allegations against Weinstein.

At the beginning of this year, the highest court in New York overturned Weinstein's convictions from 2020 and determined that he should be tried again.

Experts in law have stated that it will be challenging for him to successfully appeal his conviction in California. Despite this, Weinstein's legal team is confident that the ruling in New York will strengthen their case for appealing his rape conviction in Los Angeles.

In the UK, authorities mentioned that he faced two charges in London for supposed offenses that occurred between July 31 and August 31, 1996.

Ferguson, whose department handles the toughest and most sensitive cases in England and Wales, stated: “After examining the evidence in this particular case, the CPS has opted to drop the criminal charges against Harvey Weinstein.

"The CPS is responsible for regularly reviewing all cases and after careful consideration, we have determined that there is no longer a strong chance of securing a conviction. We have communicated our decision to everyone involved in the case."

A representative from the Met stated that they were told by the Crown Prosecution Service that criminal charges against Harvey Weinstein for two counts of indecent assault are being dropped. The Met has informed all individuals who were involved in this investigation about the updates.

Weinstein and his brother Bob founded Miramax in 1979, and the company went on to produce many extremely successful films. In June 1993, the Walt Disney Company purchased Miramax, allowing the brothers to continue in their creative positions.