#MeToo founder Tarana Burke has declared that the movement is greater than any court case, following the overturning of Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction by New York’s highest court. Burke, who coined the phrase “Me too” nearly two decades ago, emphasized that the cultural shift that enabled men like Weinstein to be held accountable in court is a significant achievement of the movement. Anita Hill, who famously testified against Clarence Thomas in 1991, also reassured survivors that progress is real and that the movement will persist despite legal setbacks.
Survivors of sexual assault expressed disappointment and sadness after the court ruling that ordered a new trial for Weinstein, citing improper rulings in the initial case. Despite the setback, survivors like Dawn Dunning, who testified against Weinstein, expressed pride in standing up to their abuser and bringing him to account. Prominent #MeToo lawyer Debra Katz reminded survivors of the impact of their testimony in the broader reckoning against sexual abuse and violence, emphasizing that their courage has sparked a cultural shift in how people view and react to issues of sexual assault in the workplace.
Many advocates, including Erika Rosenbaum, an actor who accused Weinstein in 2017, see the court decision as an opportunity to renew efforts to push the #MeToo message forward. They believe that the movement continues to grow stronger over time, driven by incremental steps, sharing of stories, and mutual support among survivors. Fatima Goss Graves, head of the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, emphasized that the movement is a force to be reckoned with, beyond any single legal ruling. Graves highlighted the fund’s support for thousands of people with sexual harassment complaints and its role in funding lawsuits to seek justice.
Tarana Burke stressed the importance of movements in pushing for progress, noting that the judicial system has historically not been a friend to survivors. She acknowledged the range of emotions that survivors must be feeling in the wake of the court ruling, emphasizing that those who speak out against perpetrators are heroes in the eyes of survivors. Burke also highlighted the incredible courage of survivors who faced their abusers in court, like Annabella Sciorra who testified against Weinstein. Despite the challenges, Burke believes that the movement will continue to push for accountability and justice for survivors of sexual assault.
