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Harvey Weinstein: Celebrity world reacts to 'justice' of charges against film mogul

'What took you so long Harvey?'

Ilana Kaplan
Friday 25 May 2018 15:45 BST
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Harvey Weinstein led out of court in handcuffs after being charged with rape and sexual abuse

Actresses and survivors Asia Argento, Rose McGowan and Annabella Sciorra have applauded disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein's being arrested and charged with rape and sexual assault.

Following news that Weinstein would turn himself in on rape and sex abuse charges, and before he was officially charged, the three women posted their reactions on social media.

On Thursday Argento – who accused Weinstein of raping her in the 90s – initially wrote, "What took you so long Harvey?" adding today, "This is the only moment Harvey Weinstein will be remembered for #perpwalk."

McGowan – who also accused Mr Weinstein of raping her 20 years ago – posted a powerful message to Instagram saying: "I, and so many of Harvey Weinstein’s survivors, had given up hope that our rapist would be held accountable by law. Twenty years ago, I swore that I would right this wrong. Today we are one step closer to justice. We were young women who were assaulted by Weinstein and later terrorised by his vast network of complicity. I stand with my fellow survivors. May his arrest give hope to all victims and survivors everywhere that are telling their truths."

The actress later tweeted, "We got you, Harvey Weinstein, we got you."

Sciorra – who alleged Mr Weinstein raped her around the year 1992 when she filmed Miramax's The Night We Never Met – wrote "Can't Wait!" when she saw Weinstein was being arrested.

She continued: "Anyone know where I can get front row seats?"

Other Hollywood advocates of the #MeToo movement and the Time's Up campaign also commented on Weinstein's impending arrest.

Director Ava DuVernay tweeted, "Karma NEVER loses an address," linking to the story about Mr Weinstein.

Actress Constance Zimmer posted on Twitter, "TIMES Literally UP Friday #HarveyWeinstein."

Today President Trump – who has faced allegations of sexual assault himself – addressed the Mr Weinstein case saying, "I'm not familiar with the case, but it's really too bad."

Mr Weinstein, who has previously denied all accusations, was charged on Friday morning with four offences including rape and a criminal sex act on two women, after months of sexual abuse allegations.

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Mr Weinstein did not enter a plea, which is common at this stage of proceedings, but the 66-year-old's lawyer told reporters he was likely to plead not guilty. He has previously denied the allegations.

The film producer agreed to post $1 million (£750,000) cash bail, wear an electronic monitor and not travel beyond New York and Connecticut.

Miramax co-founder and producer Weinstein has been accused of allegations ranging from rape to sexual harassment by over 50 women.

In the past he has said that his actions "caused a lot of pain" but has claimed many of the accusations were "patently false."

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