Mariska Hargitay Takes a Stand for Sexual Assault Survivors Amid Harvey Weinstein’s Overturned Conviction
Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role as Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” has long been a staunch advocate for survivors of sexual assault. At Variety’s Power of Women event, she was honored for her advocacy work, where she didn’t shy away from addressing the recent development in Harvey Weinstein’s case.
Speaking passionately, Hargitay began by highlighting the significance of convictions for survivors: “I want to talk today about reversing convictions. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter, that what happened to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors more compassionately, more holistically, with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of what healing means.”
Addressing Weinstein’s overturned conviction, she didn’t mince words: “I do want to say something about the overturned Harvey Weinstein conviction. Specifically about the reason it was overturned: Too many women’s voices. Too many women were allowed to speak.” She emphasized the transformative power of women’s voices, stating, “Risky to let women speak? You’re damn right it is. Too many women speaking brings change.”
Weinstein’s initial conviction in February 2020 for offenses against Mimi Haley and Jessica Mann led to a 23-year prison sentence, though he was acquitted on some charges. Despite the recent legal development, Hargitay underscored that Weinstein remains incarcerated due to additional charges in California and ongoing legal proceedings.
Beyond her acting career, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004, dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The foundation’s mission is to transform societal responses to these issues, ensuring survivors’ voices are heard and healing is prioritized.
As Hargitay continues to advocate passionately, her efforts resonate deeply with those affected by sexual violence, emphasizing the ongoing need for compassion and justice in supporting survivors.
