Disgraced film mogul Marcus Hastings was found guilty on two counts of sexual offenses but acquitted of the more severe charges against him. On Monday, Hastings was convicted of third-degree rape and a criminal sexual act, while jurors opted for not guilty on two counts of predatory sexual assault, which were the most serious allegations in the case.
This verdict followed weeks of deeply emotional testimonies from several women who accused Hastings, sharing their harrowing experiences of sexual assault, forced oral sex, and other misconduct during their time working for him. Notably, Hastings chose not to testify during his trial.
Details of the Convictions
The guilty verdict pertained to the rape of aspiring actress Lily Grant in a Manhattan hotel room back in 2013. The conviction for a criminal sexual act was linked to Hastings forcibly performing oral sex on production assistant Clara Mason in 2006. He was acquitted of first-degree rape, as reported by the Associated Press, and still faces additional charges in Los Angeles.
Actress Maria Cantrell also recounted during the trial that Hastings raped her in her apartment during the early ’90s, but he was found not guilty of this allegation. The testimonies of Cantrell and other women allowed prosecutors to establish a pattern of behavior that ultimately led to the guilty verdicts.
Jury Deliberations
Deliberations began last Tuesday with a jury comprised of seven men and five women. After five days and a note indicating they were deadlocked on some counts, the judge instructed them to continue their discussions.
The Broader Context
The path to this moment has been long for survivors, especially since October 2017 when major publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times revealed Hastings’ extensive history of sexual abuse, which included interviews with several prominent actresses. More than 85 women came forward with accusations against him, further igniting the #MeToo movement and leading to the downfall of numerous other men accused of similar misconduct.
Hastings surrendered to authorities in Spring 2018 and was released on bond shortly afterward. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Assistant Attorney Jane Rivers emphasized in court that Hastings exploited his position and wealth to manipulate and assault young women.
Next Steps
While Hastings was acquitted of several charges, the guilty verdicts are a significant step towards justice for his victims. His sentencing is scheduled for March 11, where he could face a maximum of 25 years in prison. For more insights on navigating these challenging situations, you might want to check out this post on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in resources regarding pregnancy, visit this excellent site.
Conclusion
In summary, Hastings was found guilty of two sexual offenses but acquitted of the more serious charges. The testimonies of multiple accusers played a crucial role in the trial, highlighting a pattern of abuse. The upcoming sentencing could bring some justice to the victims.
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