Harvey Weinstein Seeks Hospitalization During Retrial Amid Health Concerns

NEW YORK (AP) – Harvey Weinstein’s attorneys have requested that the former film executive spend his nights at a New York City hospital rather than in jail as his retrial for sexual assault progresses.

Health Concerns Highlighted

During the second day of jury selection for his retrial, Weinstein, who is now 73 years old, arrived in a wheelchair, a common appearance for him recently. His legal team has argued that his current stay at the notorious Rikers Island jail is severely worsening his existing health conditions. They believe that treatment at Bellevue Hospital’s prison ward would be more suitable given his various ailments.

Medical Issues Faced by Weinstein

Weinstein’s health has reportedly been declining due to a range of conditions, including:

• Chronic myeloid leukemia
• Heart issues
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Sciatica

His lawyer, Imran Ansari, revealed that a recent tongue infection was misdiagnosed while he was incarcerated at Rikers, necessitating hospitalization. This incident has resulted in Weinstein gaining nearly 20 pounds (approximately 9 kilograms) over the past month.

Conditions at Rikers Island

Ansari commented on the challenges faced by Weinstein at Rikers, stating, “He is subjected to freezing temperatures at Rikers and isn’t provided with clean clothing.” He expressed concern that Weinstein’s health is deteriorating, potentially leading to serious complications as the trial approaches.

Previous Legal Actions

In November, Weinstein’s legal representatives submitted a claim against New York City, alleging that he has been receiving inadequate medical treatment and has endured unhygienic conditions at Rikers. They are seeking $5 million in damages, contending that he has been sent back to jail before fully recovering from his hospitalizations.

The conditions at Rikers have come under increased scrutiny, with a federal judge recently highlighting the dangerous environment for inmates, which could lead to a federal takeover of the facility.

Current Legal Proceedings

As jury selection continues, with no jurors selected on the first day of questioning, Weinstein’s retrial follows the overturning of his 2020 conviction by New York’s Court of Appeals. This ruling mandated a new trial due to findings of improper procedures affecting the original trial’s outcome. Weinstein faces charges from two incidents: one involving the rape of an aspiring actor in 2013 and another regarding an act of forced oral sex on a production assistant in 2006. Additionally, a new allegation has emerged from an unnamed woman claiming Weinstein attacked her during a hotel stay.

Weinstein’s Stance

Weinstein continues to plead not guilty to all charges, maintaining that he did not engage in any acts of sexual assault.

Awaiting the Judge’s Decision

The presiding judge, Curtis Farber, has yet to make a ruling on Weinstein’s hospitalization request; this matter was not addressed in court as jury selection resumed on Wednesday.