Harvey Weinstein's lawyer confirmed that the former movie mogul has been hospitalized in Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan for a battery of tests. This comes after Weinstein's return to New York City following an appeals court ruling that nullified his 2020 rape conviction.
The attorney stated that Weinstein was moved to Bellevue Hospital after his arrival at city jails on Friday. It was noted that Weinstein is in need of significant physical assistance, with various health issues that require extensive testing.
Weinstein remains in custody at Bellevue, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the New York City Department of Correction. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision also mentioned that Weinstein was transferred to the city's Department of Correction following the appeals ruling.
The New York Court of Appeals recently vacated Weinstein's conviction, citing that jurors were exposed to evidence unrelated to the charges he faced. As a result, his 23-year prison sentence was erased, and a retrial was ordered. Prosecutors plan to retry Weinstein on charges related to incidents in 2006 and 2013.
Weinstein, who had been serving time at the Mohawk Correctional Facility, was kept in custody due to a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles in 2022, where he received a 16-year prison sentence.
Reports indicate that Weinstein has been dealing with various health issues, including cardiac problems, diabetes, sleep apnea, and eye conditions. Despite his physical ailments, his lawyer mentioned that Weinstein remains mentally sharp.
Concerns were raised about Weinstein's treatment during his transfer, with claims that he was denied basic necessities like water, food, and bathroom breaks. His lawyer expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of Weinstein, emphasizing his age and health status.
Doctors at Bellevue Hospital are expected to conduct extensive tests on Weinstein before he can be returned to the Rikers Island jail complex. The lawyer is scheduled to meet with Weinstein on Monday and plans to advocate for a retrial to take place after Labor Day during the upcoming court appearance in Manhattan.
