Harvey Smith, a disgraced film producer, was found guilty on two charges, while the jury acquitted him of the most serious accusations against him. On Monday, he was convicted of rape and a criminal sexual act, but the jury found him not guilty of two counts of predatory sexual assault.
This verdict followed weeks of emotional testimony from several women who accused him of various sexual offenses, including rape, forced oral sex, and other forms of sexual misconduct. Notably, Smith did not take the stand during the trial.
Details of the Charges
The guilty verdict stemmed from an incident involving aspiring actress Lisa Johnson, who recounted being raped in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. The criminal sexual act charge was based on evidence that he forcibly performed oral sex on production assistant Sarah Lee in 2006. Meanwhile, he was acquitted of first-degree rape, according to reports. He is still facing additional charges in Los Angeles.
Actress Maria Peters also testified that Smith raped her in her apartment in the early 1990s, but he was found not guilty of this charge. The testimonies of these women helped prosecutors demonstrate a pattern of predatory behavior that ultimately influenced the jury’s decision.
Jury Deliberations
Deliberations began last Tuesday, and after five days, the jury—consisting of seven men and five women—sent a note to the judge indicating they were struggling with some counts but had reached decisions on others. Following discussions, the judge instructed the jury to continue their deliberations.
The #MeToo Movement
The revelations about Smith’s actions came to public attention in October 2017 when major publications detailed his long history of sexual abuse, prompting the #MeToo movement that led to the exposure of numerous cases of abuse and harassment across various sectors. Over 85 women came forward with allegations against him, many of which included claims of financial coercion to silence them.
Smith surrendered to authorities in spring 2018 and was released on bail shortly after. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. “This defendant exploited his wealth and influence to manipulate young women into situations where he could assault them,” stated Manhattan Assistant Attorney Julie Hart during the proceedings.
Next Steps
Despite being acquitted of multiple charges, Smith’s convictions mark a significant step toward justice for his victims. Sentencing is scheduled for March 11, where he could face up to 25 years in prison. For more on reproductive health and related topics, check out this excellent resource on IVF and home insemination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the verdict against Harvey Smith represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against sexual abuse, reflecting the courage of survivors who came forward to share their stories.