Harvey Weinstein’s Health Is the Elephant in the Room at His New Trial

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Starting the jury selection for Harvey Weinstein’s retrial, his legal team has submitted an urgent request to transfer him from his current location to Bellevue Hospital, citing deteriorating health concerns as the reason.

In documents submitted yesterday, Weinstein’s legal team outlined several health issues he is grappling with, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, type 2 diabetes, severe heart disease, and a misidentified tongue infection. They argue that his condition may worsen due to the tension of the trial and his current living situation at Rikers Island Correctional Facility.

As a concerned supporter, I’m expressing my fear that denying him access to medical care and supervision at Bellevue Hospital during his intense legal trial might worsen his current health issues, trigger new ones, and potentially be fatal.

Next week, the opening statements for Weinstein’s retrial are scheduled. This trial revolves around Weinstein, the former movie producer, facing charges related to sexual crimes and a rape allegation from two women: Miriam Haley, a former TV production assistant, and Jessica Mann, an aspiring actress. His initial 2020 conviction was overturned in April 2024. In addition, Weinstein is currently charged with another criminal sexual offense based on claims from a third woman, who has not publicly identified herself yet but is expected to participate in the trial as a witness.

Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to all charges.  

During the trial, there’s been a significant concern about Weinstein’s health, which has been like an elephant in the room, causing journalists and spectators to question the severity of his illness and how much of it is due to his legal team’s strategies.

Over the past few months, his legal team has consistently highlighted his health concerns in an attempt to move Weinstein from Rikers to the hospital wing at Bellevue. This is because Weinstein has been hospitalized multiple times, such as in December and September when he underwent emergency heart surgery. Furthermore, during court appearances, he has been seen using a wheelchair.

As a gamer speaking about my personal experience, I’ve taken legal action against the City of New York, Rikers Island, and Bellevue Hospital, claiming that they’ve been negligent in my treatment and prematurely sent me back to Rikers after hospital stays. I’m seeking $5 million in damages for these alleged mistreatments.

In January, directly addressing Judge Curtis J. Farber in open court, Weinstein expressed his desire to have the trial date expedited, stating, “I won’t be here for April.” He also emphasized the unfavorable conditions at Rikers Island, pleading with the judge, “I’m in a critical situation, I urgently request you to bring forward your decision. I must escape from this nightmare as soon as possible.

The original court date for the trial wasn’t advanced because the judge was already scheduled for another trial, and Weinstein attended multiple court hearings following that, with one taking place on Wednesday. However, Weinstein requested to skip his court appearance on the following day, Thursday, due to health concerns.

Regardless of the media attention and urging by his legal team, the court has decided not to address Weinstein’s health during the trial unless he himself chooses to speak about it while under oath. This decision was made in a pre-trial ruling by Judge Farber.

Based on his records, Weinstein was recently transferred to Bellevue Hospital due to “health issues,” one of which was a tongue infection initially mistaken at Rikers Island. He also grapples with numerous other health problems, such as rapid weight gain caused by fluid retention, severe mobility and thyroid difficulties. A doctor’s letter from NYU Langone revealed that he had been admitted to Bellevue Hospital four times in the past six months due to excessive fluid buildup and congestive heart failure, conditions linked to his leukemia treatment.

Weinstein’s legal team has pointed out that the unfavorable circumstances at Rikers Island have worsened his situation. In an email dated April 11th to New York City authorities, Imran H. Ansari stated that Weinstein’s health is in a critical state due to a tongue infection and excessive water retention, causing rapid weight gain, as well as recent bouts of vomiting.

It’s unacceptable and indefensible that Harvey Weinstein, who is dealing with cancer, diabetes, and numerous other severe health issues, is facing such negligence and maltreatment within New York City’s care. His medications are frequently delayed or incorrectly given, he has accumulated a dangerous amount of fluid weight due to the mishandling of his healthcare, and he’s left shivering in his cell without even clean clothing. This isn’t imprisonment—it’s deliberate disregard,” Juda Englemayer, a representative for Weinstein, stated to The Hollywood Reporter.

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2025-04-16 23:54