Harvey Weinstein Sentenced To 23 Years: “I May Never See My Children Again”

Harvey Weinstein

Harvey Weinstein Sentenced To 23 Years: “I May Never See My Children Again”

Harvey Weinstein,67, will be spending his next 23 years in prison.

Judge James Burke handed down the sentence, which was nearly the maximum, on Wednesday morning (March 10). He was facing anywhere between five and 25 years.

He was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape just last month. He was acquitted for predatory sexual assault and two other charges. One of the first to speak out about the ruling was Andrew Wyatt, the publicist for Bill Cosby. The actor is currently serving his own sentence for sexual assault.

While more than 50 women accused Harvey Weinstein, he was on trial for the accusations of two women: Jessica Mann and Miriam “Mimi” Haley”. Four other victims also testified during the trial.

Harvey Weinstein said after the sentencing, according to USA Today, 

“I feel remorse for this situation. I feel it deep in my heart. I’m really trying to be a better person. I would do a lot of things over. I would care less about the movies, and care more about my children and my family…I may never see my children again.”

Prosecutors requested the harshest sentence and said it should be an indication of

“the seriousness of defendant’s offenses.”

They added that he fulfilled a

“lifetime of abuse towards others, sexual and otherwise.”

But his legal team said his life is in shambles and said the five-year sentence would be more fitting. They pointed to his health issues, age, and philanthropic donations.

His lawyers said, according to PEOPLE, 

“His wife divorced him, he was fired from The Weinstein Company, and in short, he lost everything.”

What are your thoughts on the sentencing? Tell us in the comments.