Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006.
Haley was in the Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday when Weinstein, 74, received the sentence. She told the court that the assault had caused lasting emotional and psychological damage and described her experience as a “life sentence.”
Haley said she developed post-traumatic stress disorder following the assault and accused Weinstein of exploiting the enormous power he held in Hollywood.
She also said she was deeply embarrassed that Weinstein believed he could treat her as though she were insignificant.
Weinstein, who appeared in court wearing a dark suit and red tie, addressed the judge while sitting in a wheelchair. He asked for leniency and rejected the characterization of himself as a violent person.
“I am not a violent man, have some mercy,” he said.
He also apologized to those he had harmed, saying he was sincerely sorry.
The sentence is the latest development in a case that has gone through several stages. Weinstein was originally sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2020 following his conviction for sexual assault.
However, an appeals court overturned that conviction in 2024. He was subsequently tried again, and a jury convicted him in 2025.
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Before Wednesday’s sentencing, prosecutors sought 20 years behind bars. Weinstein’s lawyers argued that a lengthy sentence would likely result in him dying in prison.
The former producer was once one of Hollywood’s most influential figures. He was associated with major films and had significant influence over actors, filmmakers and other entertainment professionals.
His position collapsed after investigations by The New York Times and The New Yorker revealed allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. The reports triggered numerous additional accusations, with more than 80 people eventually coming forward with allegations against him.
The scandal became a major catalyst for the #MeToo movement, which spread internationally and brought increased attention to sexual harassment, assault and abuse of power.
Weinstein also remains involved in legal proceedings in California. An appeals court in June upheld his conviction for the 2013 rape and assault of an actress in a Los Angeles hotel room but overturned his 16-year sentence. He is expected to be resentenced.
Another New York case involving actor Jessica Mann ended in a mistrial in May after jurors failed to reach a verdict. Prosecutors later said they would not seek another trial.
Weinstein’s sentencing therefore comes amid continuing legal proceedings and marks another significant stage in the downfall of a producer whose career was once at the center of Hollywood’s film industry.