Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old PhD student, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 24 years for drugging and raping 10 women in the UK and China between 2019 and 2024. The court heard that Zou, a prolific predator who filmed his crimes, targeted his victims using social media and dating websites. Police believe dozens more women may be victims and are urging them to come forward. Zou’s actions were described as highly manipulative and demonstrating a significant risk to the public.
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Harvey Weinstein’s retrial resulted in a conviction on one count of criminal sexual act, while the jury acquitted him on another and deadlocked on a rape charge. The six-week trial saw the prosecution argue Weinstein preyed on vulnerable women, while the defense portrayed him as a victim of the #MeToo movement. Testimony from three accusers detailed Weinstein’s alleged abuse of his power in the entertainment industry. This conviction adds to Weinstein’s existing lengthy prison sentence, likely ensuring he will spend the remainder of his life incarcerated.
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A Paris court found French actor Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the 2021 film *Les Volets Verts*, resulting in an 18-month suspended sentence and a substantial fine. Depardieu, who denied the allegations and plans to appeal, was also ordered to be registered in the national sex offender database. The victims, who worked behind the scenes, testified that Depardieu used vulgar language and physically assaulted them, highlighting a pattern of behavior enabled by his fame and influence within the French film industry. This verdict is considered a significant step forward for France’s #MeToo movement.
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Austin Wedington, a 27-year-old U.S. Marine, was indicted in Okinawa for allegedly raping and assaulting two women on a U.S. military base. Handed over to Japanese authorities under the Status of Forces Agreement, Wedington’s alleged actions involved choking one woman and assaulting her before injuring another who intervened. This indictment follows multiple similar cases in Okinawa, prompting Governor Denny Tamaki to demand stronger preventative measures from U.S. forces. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the conduct of U.S. service members in Okinawa and precedes a planned forum to improve community relations.
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Ryan Hemphill, a 43-year-old attorney, has been indicted on 116 counts, including rape and predatory sexual assault, for allegedly abusing six women over five months. The indictment details a pattern of horrific violence, involving torture with electric shock devices, threats with weapons, drug-facilitated assaults, and the use of coercion and intimidation. Authorities discovered evidence including text messages, drugs, and weapons at Hemphill’s apartment. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office is urging any additional survivors to come forward.
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A Los Angeles County jury found rapper Soulja Boy (DeAndre Cortez Way) liable for sexually assaulting and abusing a former assistant, awarding her over $4 million in damages. The verdict, following a three-week trial, held Soulja Boy responsible for assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, though not for all claims. The plaintiff, who remained anonymous, alleged years of abuse and unpaid wages beginning in 2018. Soulja Boy’s legal team plans to appeal the decision, citing concerns about the influence of cultural perceptions on the trial.
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A Villanova student who was sexually assaulted in 2022 is demanding that Juan Eguiguren, who videotaped the assault, be barred from participating in graduation ceremonies. Eguiguren’s attorney cites an information resolution agreement reached between the victim and Eguiguren as preventing further action, but the victim’s attorney argues this agreement was signed under duress and doesn’t preclude Villanova from taking disciplinary action. The victim’s attorney contends that allowing Eguiguren to graduate would be a profound moral failing and further victimize the survivor. Villanova University has yet to publicly respond.
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Anjela Borisova Urumova received a 45-day to 23-month jail sentence and one year of probation for falsely accusing a man of rape, resulting in his wrongful imprisonment for 31 days. Her plea included seven misdemeanor charges related to filing a false police report and tampering with evidence. The judge also ordered a mental health evaluation, no contact with the victim, and $3,600 in restitution. This case highlights the severe consequences of false accusations and their impact on victims and public trust in the justice system.
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A medical student at Leuven University, currently specializing in gynecology, was convicted of a serious sexual offense committed in 2023. Despite the conviction, the student will face neither a criminal record nor probation. In response, UZ Leuven and KU Leuven have suspended the student from their hospital duties pending review of the court’s decision and further investigation. The institutions expressed their support for the victim.
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John Q. Hosedrinker