Hollywood, accusers condemn reversal of Weinstein conviction: 'We know what happened'

“The criminal trial in Los Angeles was one of the most horrific experiences of my life. ... I am so proud of all who risked so much to speak their truth.”

Anita Hill, chair and president of the Hollywood Commission, said in a statement that Thursday’s reversal evinces “a lack of progress in addressing the power imbalances that allow abuse to occur” and proves that “sexual assault continues to be a pervasive problem.”

“Many survivors do not pursue justice because they believe nothing will be done,” Hill added.

“Today’s decision underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in our institutions — and redoubles our commitment to survivors to push for the policies and systems that will ensure accountability and bring about workplaces free from the behavior that drives the need for these systems in the first place.”

Attorney Douglas Wigdor — who has represented eight Weinstein accusers, including two of the witnesses at the New York criminal trial — denounced Thursday’s decision as “a major step back in holding those accountable for acts of sexual violence.”

“Courts routinely admit evidence of other uncharged acts where they assist juries in understanding issues concerning the intent, modus operandi or scheme of the defendant,” Wigdor said in a statement.

“The jury was instructed on the relevance of this testimony and overturning the verdict is tragic in that it will require the victims to endure yet another trial.”

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represented Haley and two other witnesses in the New York case, confirmed Thursday in a statement that her client “would consider testifying again if District Attorney Alvin Bragg decided to proceed with a new trial.”

“I commend Mimi on her courage and willingness to keep standing up for the truth,” Allred said. “The decision means that it will be more difficult to convict those who victimize women and prey on them. As a result, fewer prosecutions will be brought against sexual predators and many will escape the justice that they deserve. Although victims have lost this battle they have not lost the war.”

Attorney David Ring — who represents actor Evgeniya Chernyshova, a Jane Doe in the criminal proceedings brought against Harvey Weinstein in Los Angeles — said his client “is obviously disappointed” in Thursday’s outcome.

“She feels badly for those victims who endured that trial and the subsequent appeals, only to see the convictions reversed,” Ring said in a statement. “However, both she and I are confident that Weinstein’s Los Angeles conviction for rape will be upheld.”

In a statement provided to The Times, a spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney’s office said, “We will do everything in our power to retry this case, and remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors of sexual assault.”

———

(L.A. Times staff writers Jenny Jarvie, Richard Winton and James Queally contributed to this report.)

———