The back story

Accusations of sexual misconduct and assault have swirled around Mr. Weinstein for years. In 2015, he avoided prosecution in connection to a groping episode, but was indicted in 2018 in New York after dozens of women came forward to accuse him in the media.

Investigations in The Times (you can read it here) and The New Yorker had focused intense scrutiny on Mr. Weinstein’s behavior.

Cyrus R. Vance Jr., the Manhattan district attorney, said on Monday that the verdict helped “pull our justice system into the 21st century by declaring that rape is rape and sexual assault is sexual assault, no matter what.”

Critics of Mr. Vance have said that he should have pursued charges against Mr. Weinstein sooner.

In 2015, an Italian model recorded the mogul discussing how he had recently groped her. “I’m used to that. Come on. Please,” Mr. Weinstein is heard saying on the recording. “You’re used to that?” asked the model, Ambra Battilana. “Yes,” he said, adding, “I won’t do it again.” Outside the Manhattan courtroom yesterday, Ms. Battilana said she felt “pure joy” at the verdict.

The next chapter

Mr. Weinstein’s lead defense lawyer, Donna Rotunno, told reporters that the verdict “absolutely” would be appealed. “The fight is not over,” Ms. Rotunno said. When asked to describe Mr. Weinstein’s reaction to the verdict, Ms. Rotunno said: “Harvey is unbelievably strong. He took it like a man.”

Another defense lawyer, Arthur Aidala, recalled Mr. Weinstein saying: “I’m innocent. I’m innocent. How could this happen in America?”

Mr. Weinstein’s legal troubles extend beyond New York. Last month, Jackie Lacey, the Los Angeles County district attorney, unveiled new rape and assault charges against Mr. Weinstein. She said that over two days in February 2013, Mr. Weinstein assaulted two women in separate attacks.