What does Weinstein’s conviction overturn mean for the #MeToo movement?

“I feel disgusted” were the first words of one of the dozens of women who found the courage to report the film producer Harvey Weinstein for sexual harassment and abuse.

The New York Supreme Court on Thursday overturned Weinstein’s rape conviction, ruling that he did not receive a fair trial.

But Mimi Haley, a former TV and film production assistant, said Friday that she has no regrets about confronting Weinstein, the once-powerful Hollywood mogul, in such a public setting, and that she would “seriously consider” testifying again if prosecutors are pushing for a new trial.

“While this is a setback, it will not undo the leaps forward we have made,” he told reporters, “and it will never reverse the truth,” according to NBC News.

“Millions of victims of sexual abuse have found the strength to speak out. This will always be the win”

“I think there has been a sea change in the way victims use their voice. I don’t think it’s going to silence the victims again,” said Elizabeth Fegan, a Chicago attorney who has represented women who have accused Weinstein.

“We have taken many steps forward”

“Will they now think twice about bringing the matter to justice? Sure,” he said of the court’s decision, “but will it return us to the pre-#MeToo era? Of course not, as we have taken many steps forward”.

Dawn Dunning, a former actress who testified at Weinstein’s trial to provide evidence in a sexual assault case, said she wants the Manhattan district attorney’s office to retry the case.

“The culture has changed,” Dunning said, “and I’m sure there’s no going back.”

But Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said the decision was a “victory” for his client and for “every criminal defendant in the United States of America.”

Many in the wider movement pledged to move forward and continue to speak out.

“Moments like this highlight why movements are necessary,” #MeToo founder Tarana Burke told reporters. “Nearly seven years ago, because these brave women in this case broke their silence, millions of other victims found the strength to come forward and do the same. This will always be the victory.”

What will the ruling mean for #MeToo?

For victims of sexual abuse who saw Weinstein’s conviction as a victory, this is certainly a blow, writes the New York Times.

In many ways #MeToo is much bigger than Weinstein. The movement started because of his case, but called for victims of assault to come forward and expose their abusers, who were often powerful men in powerful positions.

The concern for some victims is that this could have an impact on whether prosecutors continue to pursue cases like these.

“I hope women don’t lose hope in this,” Jane Manning, director of the Women’s Equal Justice Project, told The New York Times. “We have a fight on our hands to create a justice system that responds to the realities of the lives of women and victims of sexual violence.”