In a setback for sexual assault survivors, New York's highest court overturned Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction. However, the founders of the #MeToo movement, Tarana Burke and Anita Hill, emphasize that the movement is much bigger than one court case. They reaffirm that the cultural shift brought about by the movement is undeniable, and progress will continue.

Tarana Burke, the founder of #MeToo, points out that a decade ago, it would have been unimaginable to bring a figure like Harvey Weinstein to trial. She believes that the movement has been instrumental in making this possible, regardless of Weinstein's legal fate. Anita Hill, who testified against Clarence Thomas in 1991, echoes this sentiment and assures survivors that progress in the fight against sexual violence is real.

Despite the disappointment felt by survivors and advocates after the court ruling, both Burke and Hill acknowledge that the #MeToo movement will persist. They emphasize that no single legal ruling can negate the tremendous progress already achieved by survivors' testimonies. They believe that changes to systems and culture will follow.

Ashley Judd, one of Weinstein's earliest accusers, describes the court's decision as "an act of institutional betrayal." The 4-3 ruling ordered a new trial, citing improper rulings that prejudiced Weinstein. Nevertheless, Weinstein will remain in prison due to a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles in 2022.

Among those who testified against Weinstein was Dawn Dunning, who confronted him about his inappropriate behavior during a business meeting. Dunning expressed shock over the ruling but vows that she would do it all again, acknowledging that standing up to Weinstein empowered her and helped others find justice.

Prominent #MeToo lawyer Debra Katz, who represents Dunning and other accusers, acknowledges that the court invalidated their testimony due to legal technicalities. However, she believes that their testimony changed the world, regardless of this setback. Katz highlights their impact on altering societal views and reactions to sexual assault in the workplace.

While the court's decision is disheartening, many advocates see it as an opportunity to renew efforts in advancing the #MeToo message. Fatima Goss Graves, head of the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund, emphasizes that one well-known case does not define the movement. The fund has already supported thousands of individuals with sexual harassment complaints and funded hundreds of lawsuits.

Despite this setback, the #MeToo movement remains resilient, supported by the unwavering determination of survivors, advocates, and organizations to confront and combat sexual abuse and violence.