Harvey Weinstein is a prominent American film producer and former studio executive, born on March 19, 1952, in Flushing, Queens, New York. He co-founded Miramax Films in 1979 with his brother Bob, which became a major player in the film industry by distributing independent and foreign films. Under Weinstein's leadership, Miramax released critically acclaimed films such as *My Left Foot*, *Sex, Lies, and Videotape*, *Pulp Fiction*, and *Good Will Hunting*.
Weinstein's career continued with the establishment of The Weinstein Company in 2005, where he produced successful films like *The King's Speech*, *The Artist*, and *Silver Linings Playbook*. His productions won numerous awards, including several Academy Awards. Weinstein was also recognized for his work in theater, winning multiple Tony Awards.
However, Weinstein's career was severely impacted by allegations of sexual harassment and assault that surfaced in 2017. These allegations led to widespread condemnation and his expulsion from industry organizations. In 2020, he was convicted of criminal sexual assault and sentenced to 23 years in prison. Further charges in Los Angeles in 2022 resulted in an additional 16-year sentence. Although his New York conviction was initially overturned in 2024, he was again convicted of a felony sex crime in 2025.
Weinstein's legal troubles have kept him in the public eye, with ongoing relevance to discussions about power dynamics and accountability in the entertainment industry. His case has been a significant factor in the Me Too movement, encouraging many women to share their experiences of sexual misconduct. Currently, Weinstein is incarcerated at Rikers Island in New York City.