Former Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that his client has been hospitalized for tests after his return to New York City after an appeals court ruling overturned his 2020 rape conviction earlier this week.
Attorney Arthur Aidala told the Associated Press that Weinstein, 72, was moved to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan after his arrival on Friday to city jails.
“They examined him and sent him to Bellevue. It seems like he needs a lot of help, physically. He’s got a lot of problems. He’s getting all kinds of tests. He’s somewhat of a train wreck health wise,” he told the AP.
Newsweek has reached out to Aidala via email Saturday afternoon for further comment.
The Context
Nearly 90 women have accused Weinstein, who produced films like Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love, of various forms of sexual misconduct. Many have said the Oscar winner offered career help in return for sexual favors. The allegations stretch back nearly three decades.
The accusations made against Weinstein in 2017 sparked a wave of similar incidents against other media moguls, in what was called the #MeToo movement.
Weinstein was accused of third-degree rape against an actress in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on a TV production assistant in 2006.
In February 2020, Weinstein was found guilty in New York of third-degree rape and a first-degree criminal sexual act, and was sentenced to 23 years in prison. In December 2022, he was also convicted of rape and other sexual assault charges in a separate Los Angeles case and sentenced to an additional 16 years of imprisonment. Weinstein sought to appeal both verdicts.
Thursday’s ruling, however, erased his 23-year prison sentence in New York and ordered a retrial. However, Weinstein will remain in custody for his conviction in the Los Angeles case.
Former film producer Harvey Weinstein is seen in court at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles on October 4, 2022. Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been… Former film producer Harvey Weinstein is seen in court at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles on October 4, 2022. Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for tests after his return to New York City after an appeals court ruling overturned his 2020 rape conviction. More AFP/Getty Images
What We Know
For some time, Weinstein has been ailing with a variety of afflictions, including cardiac issues, diabetes, sleep apnea and eye problems, the AP reported.
Aidala said he spoke to Weinstein on Friday afternoon after he was in transit to New York City from the Mohawk Correctional Facility, which is about 100 miles northwest of Albany.
“He was not treated well. They refused to give him even a sip of water, no food, no bathroom break,” Aidala said. “He’s a 72-year-old sickly man.”
Thomas Mailey, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, had no comment when Aidala’s remarks about Weinstein’s treatment were read to him over the phone by the AP.
What’s Next?
Aidala said Bellevue doctors plan to run a host of tests on Weinstein before he can be returned to the Rikers Island jail complex.
The lawyer told the AP he’s scheduled to meet with Weinstein on Monday. He said he plans to tell a judge when Weinstein goes to court in Manhattan on Wednesday that a retrial should occur after Labor Day.
Update: 4/27/24, 4:08 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
Update: 4/27/24, 4:38 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
Harvey Weinstein Hospitalized After Conviction Overturned
