On Thursday, February 23, 2023, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lisa B. Lench sentenced Harvey Weinstein to 16 years in prison after a jury convicted him of rape.
FeganScott’s Beth Fegan, who represented Jennifer Siebel Newsom (Jane Doe 4) and Ashley Matthau in connection with the Los Angeles trial, released this statement following the sentencing:
“Today justice has been served. In delivering a 16-year sentence, Judge Lisa Lench has ensured that Harvey Weinstein will spend the rest of his life behind bars. The verdict and the sentence were possible because eight very courageous women stepped forward to confront this serial rapist. Each knew their testimony would force them to relive the trauma and horror he inflicted upon them. They also understood that by standing up to Weinstein in court, they would open themselves up to what turned out to be brutal, misogynistic attacks by his attorneys.
“These women deserve our admiration, and our thanks.
“My clients, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Ashley Matthau, were resolute that they were not satisfied with Harvey Weinstein’s New York sentence, especially with an appeal in play. Their testimony gave them the power to reclaim their voices, both for themselves and on behalf of the many other women who were abused by Harvey Weinstein. It can’t erase the trauma they’ve endured, but it can serve as catalyst for change and provide hope to other survivors.”