Suffolk Reporter

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) has strongly criticized the New York State Court of Appeals for their decision to dismiss the rape and sexual assault charges against Harvey Weinstein. In a statement, Senator Palumbo expressed his disappointment, saying, "New York State’s highest court today turned its’ back on the brave victims of rape and sexual assault who had the courage to look Harvey Weinstein in the eye and put him behind bars where he belongs."

Senator Palumbo also criticized the Senate Democrats for their role in the nomination process of the judges involved in the case. He highlighted how efforts to appoint a more progressive Court of Appeals nominee ultimately led to the selection of Judge Rowan Wilson, despite concerns raised about his prior decisions in sexual assault cases.

Regarding the dismissal of charges against Weinstein, Senator Palumbo accused the Senate Democrats of hypocrisy, stating, "Now suddenly, after Judge Wilson’s Court of Appeals dismissed rape and sexual assault charges against Harvey Weinstein, the Senate Democrats speciously proclaim that they are surprised and that they support victims of sex crimes. The dishonesty is nauseating."

Senator Palumbo concluded by emphasizing the negative impact of the court's decision on women and sexual assault survivors in New York, calling it a "major setback" and the start of a worrying trend that could discourage survivors from coming forward against predators like Weinstein.