Harvey Weinstein Defense Says Women Need To Take Responsibility For Actions
In her closing argument this morning (Feb. 13) in a NYC courthouse, Donna Rotunno, attorney to Harvey Weinstein — who won’t testify in trial, argued that those women accusing her client of rape should take some fault of their own.
Rotunno began, “When you came to [court], you might have had a gut feeling that Harvey Weinstein was guilty. During deliberation, I’m going to ask you to use your New York City common sense… and every time you feel your emotion taking over, remember that common sense, because it will guide you.”
RELATED: Harvey Weinstein Accuser Claims Disgraced Mogul Has No Testicles & “A Vagina”
While countering that any sexual encounters were consensual, Rotunno says, “In [the #MeToo] universe, women are not responsible for the parties they attend, the men they flirt with, the hotel room invitations, the plane tickets they expect, the jobs they hope to obtain. In this universe, they aren’t even responsible for sitting at their computers and emailing someone across the country.”
While further persuading the 12-person jury, Rotunno states, “Here, in New York City, in the United States of America, we don’t cave to the pressure. You should never feel bullied or pressured to change your decision… stand your ground… Historically, you are the last line of defense in this country, from the overzealous media, from the overzealous prosecutors, you are the one here being asked to make [the decision].”
RELATED: Harvey Weinstein Allegedly Gave Out Movie Roles For Threesomes
She adds, “In this script, the powerful man is the villain and he is so unattractive and large that no woman would want to sleep with him. You don’t have to like Mr. Weinstein. This is not a popularity contest… in this country, it’s the unpopular people that need the jury… the unpopular person needs you the most.”