Harvey Weinstein conviction: Politicians, celebrities and charities respond to guilty verdict

Commenters overwhelmingly praise the women who came forward to accuse Weinstein

Campaigners, celebrities and politicians are praising the bravery of women who came forward with accusations against former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, after he was found guilty on two of five counts in his rape and sexual assault trial.

Weinstein was convicted of on one count of criminal sexual acts and one count of rape in the third degree. Ultimately he was cleared of the most serious charges against him, including two counts of predatory sexual assault and one count of first degree rape.

He will be sentenced on 11 March. Criminal sexual act convictions have a maximum sentencing of 25 years in prison, while rape in the third degree has a maximum of four years.

Politicians, celebrities and others took to Twitter to Mr Weinstein’s conviction.

Representative Ilhan Omar called the conviction a “victory for the brave survivors who spoke out against Weinstein.”

Equality Now, an international organization whose mission is to protect and advanced rights for women and girls across the world, praised those who spoke up against Mr Weinstein.

“Taking a moment of deep appreciation for the #SilenceBreakers whose bravery has uplifted an entire movement. You've quite literally changed the world. @SarahAnnMasse @RoArquette @Godbold @MiraSorvino @rosemcgowan @luciaioevans @Dominiquehuett & scores more THANK YOU #MeToo,” the organization tweeted.

Ronan Farrow began investigating sexual assault allegations against Mr Weinstein in 2017 and eventually broke the story in an expansive New Yorker piece. He then released the story behind the reporting in his book Catch and Kill. In synch with many other voices, he also praised the victims who talked to him for the story.

“Today’s outcome in Harvey Weinstein’s New York trial is the result of the decisions of multiple women to come forward to journalists and to prosecutors at great personal cost and risk. Please keep those women in your thoughts today,” Mr Farrow tweeted.

TinaTchen, the CEO of Times Up Now – an organization that works for "safe, fair and dignified work for women of all kinds", said the ruling marked a "new era" for justice.

"In just two years, thanks to those who spoke out, @TIMESUPNOW has helped pass new laws to help survivors seek justice; aided 1000s of individuals in taking on harassers & abusers in court; & transformed how we understand safety & equity in the workplace," she wrote.

"While we celebrate this historic moment, our fight to fix the broken system that allowed serial abusers like Weinstein to thrive continues. Abusers everywhere & the powerful forces that protect them should be on notice: There's no going back."

Rose McGowan, a former actress and one of the most outspoken voices raising awareness about sexual harassment in Hollywood who also accused Mr Weinstein of raping her, called the former movie mogul a "sociopathic predator" who "thinks he's done nothing wrong".

Ms McGowan said Monday was a "huge step forward in our collective healing".

Rosanna Arquette, the actress who was one of the first people to level accusations against Weinstein, 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."