Harvey Weinstein's attorney revealed on Saturday that the former movie producer has been hospitalized for a series of medical tests upon his return to New York City following the nullification of his 2020 rape conviction by an appeals court.
According to attorney Arthur Aidala, Weinstein was admitted to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan after he arrived at city jails on Friday. Aidala expressed concerns about Weinstein's health, stating that he requires significant medical assistance due to various physical issues. He described Weinstein's health as deteriorating and mentioned that he is undergoing a battery of tests at Bellevue.
While a message left with the hospital remained unanswered, officials confirmed that Weinstein is still in custody at Bellevue. The New York City Department of Correction and the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision stated that Weinstein was transferred to the city's Department of Correction following the appeals ruling, as he had been housed at the Mohawk Correctional Facility.
Weinstein's conviction was vacated by the New York Court of Appeals on Thursday, citing concerns about the introduction of unrelated evidence during the trial. Consequently, his 23-year prison sentence was annulled, and a retrial was ordered. Prosecutors have expressed their intention to retry him on charges related to sexual assault.
Weinstein has been suffering from various health issues, including cardiac problems, diabetes, sleep apnea, and eye conditions. Aidala emphasized that Weinstein's mental faculties remain intact, despite his physical ailments.
Aidala criticized the treatment Weinstein received during his transfer to New York City, alleging that he was denied basic necessities like water and food during the journey. He plans to address these concerns in court and advocate for a retrial after Labour Day.
Weinstein's health will continue to be monitored at Bellevue Hospital, where he will undergo further tests before being returned to the Rikers Island jail complex. Aidala is scheduled to meet with Weinstein on Monday and intends to raise these issues during the court appearance on Wednesday.
