Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer on his conviction, successful appeal & the #MeToo movement

Who is Donna Rotunno? Donna Rotunno is an American criminal defense attorney who gained significant attention for her role as the lead defense lawyer for Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood producer convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault and rape. Rotunno, known for her assertive and combative style in the courtroom, became a central figure in one of the most high-profile trials of the #MeToo era. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Rotunno earned her law degree from DePaul University College of Law. She subsequently built a successful legal career specializing in criminal defense, representing clients in a wide range of cases, including those involving allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Rotunno gained widespread notoriety for her defense of Harvey Weinstein during his highly publicized trial in New York City in 2020. Throughout the trial, she vigorously challenged the prosecution's case and sought to undermine the credibility of Weinstein's accusers, employing aggressive cross-examination tactics and arguing that the encounters were consensual. Her representation of Weinstein sparked intense debate and criticism, with many viewing her as emblematic of the systemic issues surrounding the handling of sexual assault cases and the treatment of survivors in the legal system.