Disgraced former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in New York for sexually assaulting former television production assistant Miriam Haley.
The 74-year-old was sentenced in Manhattan on Wednesday, following a legal case that has lasted more than six years.
Weinstein was originally convicted in New York in 2020 and sentenced to 23 years in prison. That conviction was later overturned by New York's highest court, which ordered a new trial.
At a retrial last year, Weinstein was again found guilty of a criminal sex act involving Haley, who told the court that he sexually assaulted her at his Manhattan apartment in 2006.
Haley spoke in court before Weinstein was sentenced, describing the lasting impact of the assault.
“Having been sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein has had a devastating effect on my life and sense of security that may never go away,” she said.
“It’s a life sentence for me.”
Weinstein also addressed the court and apologised for the impact of his past behaviour, while continuing to deny that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone.
“Reflecting on all that has happened since 2017 has helped me recognize how my past conduct has negatively affected others. I live with many regrets and sincerely apologize to anyone I have affected with my actions,” he said.
Judge Curtis Farber told the court that Weinstein was once one of the most powerful figures in the film industry, but said his achievements would be overshadowed by his treatment of women.
The judge described Weinstein as “the literal face of the MeToo movement” and said he treated women as “mere objects to be played with and discarded.”
Weinstein has already spent more than six years behind bars while his New York case went through multiple trials and appeals.
He was also convicted in a separate rape case in Los Angeles and is awaiting resentencing there. His original 16-year sentence in California was over
