TIME100 Gala guests grapple with Harvey Weinstein ruling amid celebration

The TIME100 Gala is a night of celebration for the world's most influential figures. 

This year’s event took a somber turn for some of the attendees who heard the news of Harvey Weinstein's overturned rape conviction. 

This landmark #MeToo case had once fueled hope; its reversal became a stark reminder of the challenges confronting survivors of sexual violence.

Attendees grappled with the news. Don Lemon emphasised the importance of a fair justice system for all, while Amanda Nguyen, an activist and sexual assault survivor, expressed dismay at the system's frequent failures. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Coalition, urged survivors to remember the power of community in the face of setbacks.

Tarana Burke, the #MeToo movement founder, underscored the resilience that defines movements – even those facing disappointments. This sentiment was echoed by E. Jean Carroll, whose recent victory against Donald Trump in her defamation and sexual assault case offered a counterpoint to the day's news. For Carroll, Weinstein's overturned conviction was "a punch to the gut".

Despite the somber undercurrent, the TIME100 Gala remained a celebration featuring  influential figures across industries and live performances by honourees Dua Lipa and Fantasia Barrino.