One of the jurors in the Harvey Weinstein trial told CBS News that he based his decision on the facts and testimony given during the trial and didn’t let the impact of the #MeToo movement sway his judgement.
“That’s not the job, and it’s not what we were asked to do,” Drew, juror number nine, told CBS’ Gayle King. “It would be an adulteration of the process to take outside factors and have that weigh on our decision-making process and eventual findings.”
“I have no appetite or aspirations to be the voice or face of both the jury and the larger movement,” he added. “It’s, you know, this case, these people, this is our decision.”
Earlier this week, after five days of deliberation, the jury found the Hollywood mogul guilty of third degree rape and a criminal sex act, but not guilty on the most serious charges of predatory sexual assault.
The third degree rape charge – defined as having sex with a person without their consent – stemmed from actress Jessica Mann’s testimony. Mann testified that Weinstein raped her in a New York hotel room back in 2013.
Weinstein was also found guilty of forcing former production assistant Miriam Haley to perform oral sex on him in 2006.
On the charge of first degree rape – which involves the use or threat of force and was tied to Mann’s testimony – Weinstein was found not guilty.
The two convictions carry a maximum sentence of up to 29 years for the 67-year-old Weinstein, who was taken into custody after the verdicts were read and is set to be sentenced March 11.