Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein was recently convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to 23 years in prison. Documents from his court case have been unsealed, including various emails sent out by Weinstein and his team that contained worrisome messages.
TW: this article contains depictions or discussions of sexual assault/harassment and may be triggering to some readers.
According to the documents, a former PR representative of Weinstein's had forwarded him an email from the National Enquirer with the note, "Jennifer Aniston."
The email claimed that a friend of Aniston had told the Enquirer that the actress alleged she had been groped by Weinstein and that “Through the years he would frequently stare at her cleavage/breast[s] and move his mouth around making Jennifer uncomfortable."
"Jennifer confided to a friend that during the production of the 2005 movie Derailed, Weinstein sexually assaulted her by pressing up against her back in [sic] grabbing her buttocks,” the email claimed.
“We also quote a source close to Jennifer who tells [us]: ‘Harvey was infatuated with Jennifer Aniston — He had a massive crush on her and constantly talked about how hot she was,'" the Enquirer claimed.
These emails and documents were made public before Weinstein's sentencing, according to The Hollywood Reporter. At his sentencing, Weinstein claimed he felt "remorse for this situation. I feel it deeply in my heart."
Weinstein was sentenced on Wednesday to 23 years in prison, although he is still awaiting trial for charges laid against him in Los Angeles.
“His fall from grace has been historic, perhaps unmatched in the age of social media,” they wrote in a letter to the judge. They also cited Weinstein's poor health and advanced age meant any sentence above five years "is likely to constitute a de facto life sentence."
The prosecution cited a "lifetime of abuse towards others, sexual and otherwise," in their request, and stated that "Starting in the 1970s, he has trapped women into his exclusive control and assaulted or attempted to assault them."
It is also unclear at this time whether the claims made by the National Enquirer in the emails forwarded to Harvey Weinstein were actually made by Aniston, regardless of Weinstein's response.
In a series of tweets, Reese wrote, "A historical moment today. I am so appreciative of the women and men who spoke up about the abuse and harassment they suffered at the hands of Harvey Weinstein."
"This gives me renewed hope in the US justice system that due process works, survivors will be believed, and justice will be served," she wrote.
"Thank you to all of the journalists and publications who persisted in telling survivors [sic] stories, despite constant pushback and threats, and brought this story to the light," she wrote.
Patricia Arquette also tweeted, writing, "Thank you @RoArquette @rosemcgowan @MiraSorvino and all the Whistleblowers in the Weinstein case who put their careers and reputations at risk to help clear the way to know the horrible acts Harvey has done. Thank you to all the brave victims. @RonanFarrow."
"Don’t forget he still has this trial in Los Angeles where he can get up to 16 years. Get used to those handcuffs, Harv," tweeted former FOX News reporter and subject of the film Bombshell , Gretchen Carlson.
Weinstein's second trial has not yet begun.
