‘I’m still scared’: Weinstein’s accusers react with vindication, triumph and fear as disgraced producer is charged
There was plenty of satisfaction and relief among the victims of the disgraced mogul, who was handcuffed and charged with rape this week, but emotions were still mixed
Watching the stunning images of Harvey Weinstein walking into a courthouse Friday in handcuffs, a detective on each arm, Louisette Geiss still felt a shiver of fear in reaction to the man who, she says, once cornered her and tried to physically force her to watch him masturbate.
Yes, Weinstein had certainly fallen hard and fast. And yet, Geiss said, even in handcuffs, he still somehow looked powerful and defiant – not humbled, and certainly not remorseful.
“He’s not taking responsibility for a single one of these victims,” she said in an interview. “He looks like he’s just going through the machinery to get to the next step. I’m still scared, even talking to you about Harvey.”
To be sure, there was plenty of satisfaction and relief among the scores of Weinstein accusers as the disgraced mogul, who has consistently denied allegations of non-consensual sex, was arraigned sex charges involving two women, including one rape count. But emotions were mixed. Actress Rose McGowan tweeted: “We got you, Harvey Weinstein.” But she also expressed uncertainty about how the case would play out in what she called an “elusive” justice system.
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And others, like Geiss, who is a lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against Weinstein, cautioned there was a long way to go before ultimate vindication. “This is a win, but not THE win,” she said. “The win would be him behind bars, not living on an estate somewhere.”