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Opinion
The Clarion | March 4, 2020
Harvey Weinstein:
convicted rapist
By Julie Carter
Opinion Editor
On Feb. 24, well-known former Hollywood
producer, Harvey Weinstein, gained a new
legacy as a convicted rapist when he was
convicted of two felony sex crimes.
Now, Weinstein currently awaits transfer
to Rikers Island, one of New York’s most
prominent prisons, when he is released from
the prison ward within Bellevue Hospital.
Weinstein entered the hospital complaining of
chest pains.
Despite Rikers Island’s heavily disciplined
reputation, it is reported that, should Weinstein
be transferred to a medical unit within the prison
after his stay at Bellevue, the producer could
be living in a microcosm of luxury. This would
include being housed in a double-size, private
cell equipped with a television, private bathroom
and shower, and, perhaps, his own phone. The
unit contains 10 cells rather than the general
population’s 30.
It is unknown how much longer Weinstein
will stay in the prison ward at Bellevue before
his transfer. The correction department declined
to comment about where Weinstein would be
housed after his transfer to Rikers Island.
Does any of this really surprise anyone at this
point? Welcome back to the toxic boys’ club that
allowed and still allows men like Weinstein to
continue their predatory behavior.
“[Weinstein] is somewhat flabbergasted by the
verdict,” said Arthur Aidala, one of Weinstein’s
attorneys.
Of course, he is! The man was able to practice
predatory sexual behavior for nearly 40 years
against some of Hollywood’s most powerful
leading ladies, and no one came forward out of
fear of what he might do to their careers. After
four decades of that kind of security, one would
be absolutely stunned at the concept of actual
repercussions.
The bravery of the nearly 100 women who
came forward with their stories of sexual
harassment, sexual assault, and rape combined
with the conviction speak immeasurable
volumes as to how the mindset of society may
be shifting.
However, as the possibility of Weinstein being
housed in what is essentially a hotel room for
his crimes looms more and more possible, we
are reminded that, while our mindsets might be
shifting for the better, our institutions are still
set up to cater to the men who perpetrate these
heinous acts.
/Pete
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— Sam Hipp