The guilty verdict in the sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein on Monday energised Hollywood celebrities and activists who said it was just the start of their movement to hold abusers accountable.

After Weinstein was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvey-weinstein-found-guilty-of-sexual-assault-rape-282480">taken to jail in handcuffs</a>, advocates promised a renewed push for changes in the law that would allow more victims of sex crimes to have their day in court.

Members of the Silence Breakers, a group of Weinstein accusers, said they would redouble efforts to persuade lawmakers to revise statutes of limitations in several states that limit prosecutors from bringing sexual assault and rape cases after a certain period of time.

"The era of impunity for powerful men who rape people is over," actress Mira Sorvino, one of the more than 80 women who accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, said on a conference call with more than a dozen of the Silence Breakers.

Weinstein has said any sexual encounters he had were consensual.

Time's Up, the organization founded in 2018 by Hollywood celebrities after the Weinstein allegations became public, said the trial marked a "new era of justice" and urged people on social media to join the cause.

'Legally Blonde'&nbsp;star Reese Witherspoon, a founding member of Time's Up, tweeted: "This is just the beginning."

She included a link to a Time's Up web page where people could add their names and "pledge to continue this fight."

In 2019, Time's Up worked with other advocates to persuade New York lawmakers to extend the time period for prosecuting several sex crimes, including second-degree rape and second-degree sexual assault, from five years to 20 years. The state also eliminated the statute of limitations for first-degree incest.

Actress Rosanna Arquette said Monday's verdict brought hope to victims that their voices would be heard.

"Going forward, we must actively pursue strengthening laws and closing loopholes in our criminal system so that more rape cases will be prosecuted and rapists will be held accountable," Arquette said on the Silence Breakers' conference call.

Advocates still face several challenges.

One hurdle has been the reluctance of women to go public with accusations, and the Weinstein trial showed that they will continue to face tough grilling in a court of law. Defence lawyers questioned women who testified against Weinstein about their appearance at the time of the alleged attacks, their drinking habits and whether they used Weinstein to land a Hollywood acting job.

Some advocates noted that it would take sustained efforts to ensure that women in workplaces outside the movie business received support.

A statement released by the Me Too organization, led by activist Tarana Burke, noted that it had taken "years, and millions of voices raised, for (Weinstein) to be held accountable by the justice system."

The implications "reverberate far beyond Hollywood," the group said.

"Though today a man has been found guilty, we have to wonder whether anyone will care about the rest of us tomorrow. This is why we say MeToo," the statement added.

The guilty verdict in the sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein on Monday energised Hollywood celebrities and activists who said it was just the start of their movement to hold abusers accountable.

The guilty verdict in the sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein on Monday energised Hollywood celebrities and activists who said it was just the start of their movement to hold abusers accountable. After Weinstein was taken to jail in handcuffs, advocates promised a renewed push for changes in the law that would allow more victims of sex crimes to have their day in court. Members of the Silence Breakers, a group of Weinstein accusers, said they would redouble efforts to persuade lawmakers to revise statutes of limitations in several states that limit prosecutors from bringing sexual assault and rape cases after a certain period of time. "The era of impunity for powerful men who rape people is over," actress Mira Sorvino, one of the more than 80 women who accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, said on a conference call with more than a dozen of the Silence Breakers. Weinstein has said any sexual encounters he had were consensual. Time's Up, the organization founded in 2018 by Hollywood celebrities after the Weinstein allegations became public, said the trial marked a "new era of justice" and urged people on social media to join the cause. 'Legally Blonde' star Reese Witherspoon, a founding member of Time's Up, tweeted: "This is just the beginning." She included a link to a Time's Up web page where people could add their names and "pledge to continue this fight." In 2019, Time's Up worked with other advocates to persuade New York lawmakers to extend the time period for prosecuting several sex crimes, including second-degree rape and second-degree sexual assault, from five years to 20 years. The state also eliminated the statute of limitations for first-degree incest. Actress Rosanna Arquette said Monday's verdict brought hope to victims that their voices would be heard. "Going forward, we must actively pursue strengthening laws and closing loopholes in our criminal system so that more rape cases will be prosecuted and rapists will be held accountable," Arquette said on the Silence Breakers' conference call. Advocates still face several challenges. One hurdle has been the reluctance of women to go public with accusations, and the Weinstein trial showed that they will continue to face tough grilling in a court of law. Defence lawyers questioned women who testified against Weinstein about their appearance at the time of the alleged attacks, their drinking habits and whether they used Weinstein to land a Hollywood acting job. Some advocates noted that it would take sustained efforts to ensure that women in workplaces outside the movie business received support. A statement released by the Me Too organization, led by activist Tarana Burke, noted that it had taken "years, and millions of voices raised, for (Weinstein) to be held accountable by the justice system." The implications "reverberate far beyond Hollywood," the group said. "Though today a man has been found guilty, we have to wonder whether anyone will care about the rest of us tomorrow. This is why we say MeToo," the statement added.

'Just the beginning,' activists say after cheering Harvey Weinstein guilty verdict

Here is a timeline recounting the highs and lows over 40 years in the life of Harvey Weinstein, one of the most powerful Hollywood executives, who faces criminal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-faces-justice-two-years-after-scandal-erupted-271766">sexual assault charges</a> at a jury trial in New York state court next week. 
 
Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges he sexually assaulted two women, one in 2006 and another in 2013. More than 80 women have made allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. 
 
Juda Engelmayer, a spokesman for Weinstein, said late on Thursday that the two women in the criminal case had long-term relationships with Weinstein. He said it was prejudicial to conflate the criminal matter with allegations in civil cases or with public grievances he said were lodged by women who were not part of any suit. 
 
1979 - Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob found independent film distribution and production company Miramax, naming it after their parents, Miriam and Max. 
 
June 1993 - The Walt Disney Company buys Miramax for $80 million but the brothers stay on until 2005. 
 
May 1994 - Director Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction',&nbsp;starring Uma Thurman and John Travolta and backed by Miramax, wins the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival. 
 
1997 - Miramax wins its first Academy Award for best picture with 'The English Patient'. 
 
1999 - Miramax's 'Shakespeare in Love'&nbsp;wins seven Oscars - including best picture and best actress for Gwyneth Paltrow. 
 
2004 - Weinstein divorces his first wife Eve Chilton, with whom he has three daughters. 
 
2005 - The Weinstein brothers left Miramax to set up their own production company, The Weinstein Company. 
 
2007 - Weinstein marries English fashion director Georgina Chapman. 
 
Oct. 5, 2017 - The New York Times reports Weinstein settled with eight women who accused him of unwanted physical contact and sexual harassment over three decades. Weinstein in a statement apologized for causing pain to colleagues and said he was taking a leave of absence and entering therapy. Reuters did not independently verify the details of the New York Times report. 
 
Oct. 6, 2017 - Weinstein takes an indefinite leave of absence from The Weinstein Co. The company later says he is fired. 
 
Oct. 10, 2017 - The New Yorker reports allegations by 13 women who said Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them, including three who said he raped them. Weinstein again denies non-consensual sex. Reuters did not independently verify the details of The New Yorker`s accounts. 
 
Oct. 10, 2017 - Chapman, Weinstein's wife, says she is leaving him.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Oct. 14, 2017 - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group that selects the Oscar winners, expels Weinstein. 
 
October 2017 - Actress Alyssa Milano fuels the expansion of the #MeToo movement, founded by Tarana Burke, by writing on Twitter: "If you've ever been sexually harassed or assaulted write 'me too'&nbsp;as a reply to this tweet." In the following weeks, #MeToo would be used by millions of women. 
 
Jan. 1, 2018 - Hollywood celebrities launch the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-times-up-reese-witherspoon-jennifer-anniston-meryl-streep-and-others-join-hands-to-fight-against-sexual-harassment-28305">Time's Up campaign</a> to fight sexual harassment in the workplace. 
 
May 25, 2018 - Weinstein surrenders to New York police on charges of rape and a criminal sex act involving alleged assaults against two women, in 2004 and 2013. 
 
June 5, 2018 - Weinstein pleads not guilty to the charges. 
 
June 9, 2018 - Weinstein pleads not guilty to new charges of sexually assaulting a third woman in 2006. 
 
Oct. 11, 2018 – Weinstein wins dismissal of the charges over the alleged 2004 assault. Charges involving the other two women remain pending. 
 
Jan. 17, 2019 - Benjamin Brafman, Weinstein's defense attorney, issues statement saying he is quitting, without elaborating. 
 
Jan. 25, 2019 - Weinstein appears in court to announce a new defense team. 
 
April 26, 2019 - Weinstein's trial is delayed until Sept. 9 to allow defense more time to gather evidence. 
 
July 11, 2019 - Weinstein hires the third legal team after the second team of defense attorneys exits the case. 
 
Aug. 26, 2019 - Weinstein pleads not guilty to new indictment involving the same two women accusing him of two counts of predatory sexual assault, in 2006 and 2013. His trial is pushed back to Jan. 6, 2020.

 
Dec. 11, 2019 - Weinstein and his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinsteins-former-film-studio-plans-to-liquidate-in-bankruptcy-219271">bankrupt studio</a> reach a tentative $25 million settlement with dozens of women who accused him of sexual misconduct. Representatives for Weinstein declined to comment.

 
Jan. 7, 2020 - Jury selection at Weinstein`s trial expected to begin.

Here is a timeline recounting the highs and lows over 40 years in the life of Harvey Weinstein, one of the most powerful Hollywood executives, who faces criminal sexual assault charges at a jury trial in New York state court next week.

Here is a timeline recounting the highs and lows over 40 years in the life of Harvey Weinstein, one of the most powerful Hollywood executives, who faces criminal sexual assault charges at a jury trial in New York state court next week. Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges he sexually assaulted two women, one in 2006 and another in 2013. More than 80 women have made allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Juda Engelmayer, a spokesman for Weinstein, said late on Thursday that the two women in the criminal case had long-term relationships with Weinstein. He said it was prejudicial to conflate the criminal matter with allegations in civil cases or with public grievances he said were lodged by women who were not part of any suit. 1979 - Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob found independent film distribution and production company Miramax, naming it after their parents, Miriam and Max. June 1993 - The Walt Disney Company buys Miramax for $80 million but the brothers stay on until 2005. May 1994 - Director Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction', starring Uma Thurman and John Travolta and backed by Miramax, wins the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival. 1997 - Miramax wins its first Academy Award for best picture with 'The English Patient'. 1999 - Miramax's 'Shakespeare in Love' wins seven Oscars - including best picture and best actress for Gwyneth Paltrow. 2004 - Weinstein divorces his first wife Eve Chilton, with whom he has three daughters. 2005 - The Weinstein brothers left Miramax to set up their own production company, The Weinstein Company. 2007 - Weinstein marries English fashion director Georgina Chapman. Oct. 5, 2017 - The New York Times reports Weinstein settled with eight women who accused him of unwanted physical contact and sexual harassment over three decades. Weinstein in a statement apologized for causing pain to colleagues and said he was taking a leave of absence and entering therapy. Reuters did not independently verify the details of the New York Times report. Oct. 6, 2017 - Weinstein takes an indefinite leave of absence from The Weinstein Co. The company later says he is fired. Oct. 10, 2017 - The New Yorker reports allegations by 13 women who said Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them, including three who said he raped them. Weinstein again denies non-consensual sex. Reuters did not independently verify the details of The New Yorker`s accounts. Oct. 10, 2017 - Chapman, Weinstein's wife, says she is leaving him. Oct. 14, 2017 - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group that selects the Oscar winners, expels Weinstein. October 2017 - Actress Alyssa Milano fuels the expansion of the #MeToo movement, founded by Tarana Burke, by writing on Twitter: "If you've ever been sexually harassed or assaulted write 'me too' as a reply to this tweet." In the following weeks, #MeToo would be used by millions of women. Jan. 1, 2018 - Hollywood celebrities launch the Time's Up campaign to fight sexual harassment in the workplace. May 25, 2018 - Weinstein surrenders to New York police on charges of rape and a criminal sex act involving alleged assaults against two women, in 2004 and 2013. June 5, 2018 - Weinstein pleads not guilty to the charges. June 9, 2018 - Weinstein pleads not guilty to new charges of sexually assaulting a third woman in 2006. Oct. 11, 2018 – Weinstein wins dismissal of the charges over the alleged 2004 assault. Charges involving the other two women remain pending. Jan. 17, 2019 - Benjamin Brafman, Weinstein's defense attorney, issues statement saying he is quitting, without elaborating. Jan. 25, 2019 - Weinstein appears in court to announce a new defense team. April 26, 2019 - Weinstein's trial is delayed until Sept. 9 to allow defense more time to gather evidence. July 11, 2019 - Weinstein hires the third legal team after the second team of defense attorneys exits the case. Aug. 26, 2019 - Weinstein pleads not guilty to new indictment involving the same two women accusing him of two counts of predatory sexual assault, in 2006 and 2013. His trial is pushed back to Jan. 6, 2020. Dec. 11, 2019 - Weinstein and his bankrupt studio reach a tentative $25 million settlement with dozens of women who accused him of sexual misconduct. Representatives for Weinstein declined to comment. Jan. 7, 2020 - Jury selection at Weinstein`s trial expected to begin.

The Harvey Weinstein 40 years Journey: From the studio to the courtroom

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'Just the beginning,' activists say after cheering Harvey Weinstein guilty verdict

The Harvey Weinstein 40 years Journey: From the studio to the courtroom