The #MeToo movement exploded into the public awareness in 2017 when The New York Times helped uncover the breadth of Harvey Weinstein’s alleged abuses. It has since moved beyond Orees to actively reshape conversations about harassment and abuse that permeate our society. The allegations against Harvey Weinstein were the match that lit the fire. It has spurred important legal reforms and changed the way we think about and combat sexual violence in our society. Recent events, including high-profile lawsuits and retrials, highlight the movement’s persistent impact, the ongoing challenges faced by survivors, and the path forward in the fight for justice.
What began with the allegations against Weinstein quickly grew into an unstoppable social movement. This burgeoning movement challenged survivors from all walks of life to tell their own stories. That sudden awareness led to a wave of legal changes. This is crucially important, given that a new, historic law in New York recently opened up a 12-month period for alleged victims of sexual violence to file civil claims. Activist Casandra Ventura is another who has utilized this law. In October 2022, she filed a domestic violence lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, claiming he had abused her for years.
Legal Changes and High-Profile Trials
From protecting victims to holding perpetrators accountable, the #MeToo movement has helped spur unprecedented legal changes. The new law in New York has empowered many individuals to come forward with their stories, creating a sense of urgency for survivors like Ventura. She said, “New York’s Adult Survivors Act is set to expire soon. It felt obvious that this was an important moment to raise our voices.”
The movement has been similarly defined by important court cases that have made national headlines. In 2022, Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in California for multiple sex crimes. The unlicensed construction worker’s conviction was subsequently overturned on appeal. In other words, they re–prosecuted him, this time successfully, in New York. Yet again, he was convicted on the most heinous of these counts. The legal journey on these charges is a reminder of the pitfalls in our justice system. It highlights the continued struggle for justice on behalf of victims.
Setbacks persist. While Weinstein and Bill Cosby faced substantial penalties for their actions, Cosby was jailed for drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand. Others have experienced acquittals. Supporters say these results indicate endemic failure in the civil justice system. Jennifer Mondino, a lawyer experienced in handling #MeToo cases, commented on the situation: “It isn’t a perfect straight line. There is always going to be some victories and some losses and some blowback.”
The Movement’s Impact on Society
The #MeToo movement has undoubtedly changed the way we as a society think about and respond to harassment and abuse. Additionally, it has created a culture where survivors of color have more support and power, as they share their experiences and are no longer afraid of being silenced. Gloria Allred, a prominent lawyer representing accusers against Weinstein and Combs, emphasized this shift: “Women are coming forward. They’re … not going to be silenced anymore if they believe that they have been the victims of injustice … by rich, powerful famous men.”
Despite its successes, the movement faces challenges. Convictions are rare, just 2.5 percent of every 1,000 reported assaults lead to a conviction of the assailant. This shocking statistic highlights the challenges that survivors face when they seek justice. Evidently, although reported rates of assault are rising as many victims begin to report their experiences, the rate of resulting criminal conviction continues to plummet.
Jennifer Mondino reflected on these dynamics, stating, “When there is blowback like this, it means it’s working. It means that people are really paying attention.” This renewed focus has led to important discussions about accountability, workplace culture, and how we treat survivors.
The Future of #MeToo
As the #MeToo movement crystallizes into institutional form, it is the subject of fractious debate and criticism. That hasn’t stopped many advocates from claiming that it’s definitely not over. Allred remarked on this sentiment: “People keep saying to me the MeToo movement is dead. I don’t know why they say that. There’s no evidence of that and I say, to the contrary, it’s alive and well and living in this country and in many countries.”
The movement continues to propel action and support through efforts including the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund. This fund has fortified 430 workplace harassment cases and matched more than 5,000 people facing workplace harassment with legal resources. This new network does more than amplify the voices of survivors—it asserts and deepens the chorus of demands for change.
Mondino summarized the ongoing significance of the movement: “I would say that the MeToo movement is absolutely alive and well and going forward.” Society as a whole has reached a turning point regarding harassment and abuse. The conversations that #MeToo has opened up are important for creating the collective empathy needed to create pressure for systemic change.
