Mariska Hargitay speaks out on Harvey Weinstein's overturned verdict, highlighting the strength of women's voices.
On a Thursday, actress Hargitay was honored at Variety's Women of Power event in New York for her efforts supporting sexual assault survivors. During her acceptance speech, she acknowledged the significance of multiple voices coming together to create change. She referred to this as "too many women speaking" and how it can disrupt the establishment.
According to a snippet of her speech, she shared, "Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Can't imagine anything more beautiful than that." Hargitay further stated, "Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the system. Too many women means we get heard more, perhaps even listened to."
She drew attention to the power of the #MeToo movement, which she believes represents a significant tumultuous wave of change brought on by numerous women sharing their experiences. The backlash that followed, she said, was inevitable, given the women's steadfastness in speaking out.
"Of course, there's a backlash," she explained. "What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose, and for there to be no backlash?"
The renowned actress continued, "The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were. How powerful those voices are."
Just a week ago, Weinstein's 2020 conviction of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape was overturned by the New York Court of Appeals. The former film producer insisted on his innocence and denied committing non-consensual sexual acts. In their ruling, the court declared the testimony of witnesses recounting "prior bad acts" should not have been permitted. These witnesses' testimonials, they opined, were superfluous in confirming the defendant's intentions and merely illustrated their inclination toward committingthe crimes in question.
Weinstein's prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office have declared their intent to retry the case, and the judge has instructed Weinstein to remain in custody while awaiting this next trial. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for May 29.
Hargitay, who is a survivor of rape herself, has actively championed for survivors of sexual violence. She created the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004, an organization that provides support and raises awareness for survivors of sexual violence.
Read also:
- Lifestyle 2023 from "Breathless" to cinnamon buns
- Unanimous decision: faster wolf culls possible
- New Year's Eve fireworks: What applies in other countries?
- Ban on New Year's Eve fireworks: no bangs here
In light of the overturned verdict of Harvey Weinstein, Mariska Hargitay emphasized at Variety's Women of Power event that "too many women speaking" can bring about change and disrupt the establishment. Regardless of the backlash, Hargitay believes that the power of entertainment, such as her speeches and initiatives, can contribute to increased entertainment that promotes important societal issues like sexual assault.
Source: edition.cnn.com
