Harvey Weinstein Photo: Georges Biard |
The predatory Hollywood mogul was found guilty last month and was facing a maximum sentence of 25 years.
The 67-year-old appeared in court in New York today in a wheelchair, while the six women who had taken the witness stand against him were all present.
Women's rights advocates hailed the sentence, which marks a key moment in the #MeToo movement that led to several high-profile media figures, including Weinstein, facing accusations of sexual harassment.
The lead prosecutor said the former Weinstein Company chief showed a “total lack of remorse for the harm he has caused”.
Mira Sorvino, who previously spoke out against Weinstein, tweeted: “23 years. Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his crimes of rape and sexual assault. I literally cried tears of amazement, gratitude that the justice system has worked on behalf of all of his victims today."
More than 90 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, including harassment and assault.