Donald Trump said from a women's perspective it's a great thing (File)
New Delhi:
Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault conviction was a "big win" for women and sends a "very strong message," said US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
The Hollywood film producer was found guilty by a New York court on Monday in a judgment the # MeToo movement against sexual misconduct described as a historic landmark.
"From a women's perspective, I think it was a great thing," Trump said at a press conference in India.
"It was a great victory. And sends a very strong message, very, very strong message."
The 67-year-old Weinstein was acquitted of first-degree rape and predatory sexual assault. These allegations could have imprisoned him for life.
However, he faces up to 29 years in prison for criminal sexual acts in the first and third degrees of rape.
He was sent to prison, but was later admitted to the Bellevue Hospital Center in Manhattan with chest pain.
"He was a person I didn't like," Trump said at a press conference in New Delhi. "I just wasn't a fan of him. I knew him a little, not very well."
Mr Trump, who will lead the Republican party to elections in November, said Weinstein is closely associated with the Democratic Party.
"The people who liked him were the Democrats," he said.
"Michelle Obama loved him. Hillary Clinton loved him. And he gave the Democrats huge money."
More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct since allegations against him triggered global billing against men in 2017 who abuse positions of power.
Since many claims were too old to be prosecuted, the jury examined charges related to only two: ex-actress Jessica Mann and former production assistant Mimi Haleyi.
Weinstein is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11.
