Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein has been transported from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital for urgent medical care following an alarming blood test result. His attorney, Imran H. Ansari, confirmed the hospitalization, stating Weinstein requires immediate attention and is expected to remain at Bellevue until his condition stabilizes. Ansari criticized the lack of adequate medical care Weinstein received at Rikers, calling it medical malpractice and a violation of his constitutional rights.
Weinstein's representative, Juda Engelmayer, confirmed the former Hollywood mogul's leukemia diagnosis and echoed concerns about the inadequate medical treatment he has received while incarcerated. Engelmayer characterized the situation as "cruel and unusual punishment," given Weinstein's serious health conditions.
Weinstein's legal team has repeatedly raised concerns about his deteriorating health in recent months, alleging he has received virtually no treatment for his various medical issues. Attorney Arthur Aidala previously stated Weinstein was not receiving the medical care he deserves.
This recent hospitalization comes after Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction was overturned in April by a New York appeals court, which ordered a new trial. The court's decision hinged on the trial judge's allowance of testimony from women who accused Weinstein of assault, even though their accusations were not directly related to the charges against him. Weinstein's original conviction resulted in a 23-year prison sentence for forcing oral sex on a production assistant in 2006 and the third-degree rape of a hairstylist in 2013. He was acquitted of other charges, including first-degree rape. Weinstein has consistently denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.
Weinstein's lawyer filed an appeal in January 2023, arguing that Weinstein did not receive a fair trial, citing various issues, including the judge's conduct and the inclusion of testimony from accusers not directly involved in the case. The appeal contended that these factors biased the jury against Weinstein.
