Renowned lawyer and women’s rights activist Gloria Allred said she was troubled that none of her clients will be allowed to speak during Weinstein’s sentencing, in an interview with variety after the verdict. Allred represented three victims in Harvey Weinstein’s Los Angeles rape trial, two of whom eventually testified against the disgraced producer.
Judge Lisa B. Lench said she would allow only one victim to address the court: Jane Doe #1, the only one whose allegations resulted in a conviction. Mme Allred said his clients “underwent grueling, difficult and brutal cross-examination, and they did it for the cause of justice.” They should be given the opportunity to make a victim impact statement at sentencing, even if he has not been convicted of any charges. She added, “Why can’t they speak out in court? “.
Allred said she will push for new legislation to give all victims whose allegations are charged in the complaint the right to be heard at sentencing – even if the allegations do not lead to a conviction. “I see a need for change in the law for victims coming out of this trial,” she said.
With information from variety