Rose McGowan Empowers Survivors to 'Rise' and 'Speak Out' Amid Harvey Weinstein Legal Developments

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Rose McGowan is calling on other rape survivors to come together and fight against injustice in the wake of Harvey Weinstein's overturned rape conviction. In an Instagram video posted on Thursday, April 25, she emphasized the importance of standing up against evil. "They will never erase our strength and resilience," she wrote. McGowan sent blessings to all who have bravely shared their stories and demonstrated spirit, courage, and unity.

McGowan accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her in 1997. Despite this traumatic experience, she chose to inspire all the women who have bravely spoken up against their assailants in a powerful video.

In the video, she expressed her pride in the progress made and the awareness raised about sexual assault. She emphasized the importance of knowing and standing up for one's true self, as well as recognizing the truth about others. McGowan declared that no matter what challenges may arise, no one can take away our identity, experiences, and potential achievements in life.

The Charmed alum, 50, reminded her survivor sisters, “We are not victims. We are people who were injured by evil. Evil sticks together as witnessed … but we are better.”

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You are a light in this world, beautiful and important. I stand by you in your battles. Even on tough days, we will overcome and find happiness in small moments.

McGowan added that it’s OK to “shed those tears” today over the court’s decision, but asked her followers to then move forward, stronger than before.

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Rose McGowan shared a post on her social media account. In the post, she affirmed, "You are brave, you are beautiful, you are strong." She emphasized knowing the truth about oneself and others. She continued by saying, "You’re brave. You’re amazing. I’m proud of you."

The actress expressed her thoughts by saying, "Tomorrow we will rise. Stand up, dust ourselves off and look for every little ounce of joy and beauty that we can. Much love."

McGowan is among the 50 women who came forward with allegations of rape and sexual assault against Weinstein. Their stories were revealed in an expose by The New York Times in October 2017, which ignited the #MeToo movement.

30 years ago, allegations against Harvey Weinstein led to him losing his job at his own company. Following this, his wife Georgina Chapman filed for divorce.

In 2020, Weinstein was convicted of criminal sexual assault and rape, resulting in a 23-year prison sentence. A separate trial in 2022 found him guilty of three charges of rape and assault, adding 16 years to his time behind bars.

Weinstein appealed the 2020 court verdict that was issued earlier this month. The New York Court of Appeals overturned the ruling with a 4-3 decision on Thursday, citing prejudice among the previous judicial figures.

Attorney Douglas H. Wigdor, who represented eight of Weinstein's victims, expressed disappointment in the decision. He stated, "Today's ruling is a setback in holding accountable those responsible for acts of sexual violence." Wigdor emphasized the importance of admitting evidence of uncharged acts to help juries understand the defendant's intent and modus operandi. He also highlighted that the jury was properly instructed on the relevance of this testimony, and overturning the verdict will force the victims to endure another trial.

Weinstein will remain in prison for the 2022 court ruling.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Editor's P/S:

Rose McGowan's powerful message in the wake of Harvey Weinstein's overturned rape conviction is a testament to the resilience and strength of survivors. Her words remind us that their experiences and voices will not be silenced, and that the fight against injustice must continue. McGowan's message is a beacon of hope for all who have been affected by sexual violence, reminding them that they are not alone and that their pain is valid.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by survivors in seeking justice. The overturning of Weinstein's conviction is a setback, but it should not diminish the courage of those who came forward. McGowan's call for unity and action is a powerful reminder that the fight for justice is not over. It is essential that we continue to support survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and work towards creating a world where sexual violence is no longer tolerated.