Harvey Weinstein’s Life Behind Bars: “He’s Still Running Sh*t” (Exclusive)

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For several months, media outlets have paid unusually close attention to Harvey Weinstein’s health issues compared to his doctors, frequently reporting on a deteriorating medical record that includes spinal stenosis, diabetes, failing kidneys, vision problems, missing teeth, high thyroid levels, and a previously concealed long-term leukemia. Despite this, Weinstein remains in contact with his two teenage children from his ex-wife, the fashion designer Georgina Chapman, and he has made efforts to protect them from the knowledge of his cancer diagnosis.

Despite facing more potential challenges this week in Manhattan, the man persists undeterred, hoping for an acquittal. A year ago, he was brought before this same courtroom following his 2020 conviction for sexual crimes against Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann, which were overturned by New York State’s Court of Appeals. He appeared as a weary Salieri in his wheelchair, with hair resembling a toddler’s and once-powerful boxer fists now frail and limp, almost like flippers (one always restrained by the chair arm, as required). A new, more fitted court jacket was visible, suggesting significant weight loss during incarceration. His blue tie was loose, a white dress shirt with a horse collar underneath. This 72-year-old man seemed to be aging rapidly, feeling the imminent breath of death on his neck.

In September, an Associated Press report surfaced, detailing three additional uncharged sex crimes being presented to a grand jury. This revelation reportedly triggered a heart attack just two days later, followed swiftly by emergency surgery.

Frequently questioning when Weinstein might stand trial again, given only one additional charge, his representatives publicly claimed that the State of New York was intentionally providing him with poor care at Rikers Island jail, leading to rapid transitions between Bellevue Hospital. They alleged that the state was effectively trying to hasten his demise. Despite his deteriorating health and frequent appearances in court while looking disheveled and unwell, Weinstein would occasionally show signs of determination, seemingly rushing into the courtroom as soon as he was wheeled in – as if to demonstrate his resolve.

By January 29th of this year, when Weinstein appeared in court for a preliminary hearing, he had reached the end of his tether. Maybe he could manipulate or pressure Judge Curtis J. Farber into expediting “The People vs. Harvey Weinstein” trial, pushing it ahead of a murder trial on Farber’s docket. It was quite dramatic, with Weinstein having little bargaining power other than his impending downfall.

In Weinstein’s conversation with the judge, he started off by asking if the jury selection was definite today, to which he added a hint of finality. This line of questioning was delivered in a voice reminiscent of Bluto, a character whose tones hadn’t been heard publicly for quite some time, except for when he said “not guilty.

“Can we start this April 7? Every week counts. Please do that, your honor.” 

Weinstein speaks!

He claimed that early that morning, Rikers staff gave him the wrong medication. He mentioned he frequently struggled to breathe. He found it appalling, considering his recent change in status as a supposedly innocent man. His past conviction for a sex crime in Los Angeles from 2022, involving one woman, and the additional years it added to his sentence in New York (which was subsequently cancelled) were not at the forefront of his thoughts.

Weinstein found himself in a dire state, and so did Rikers; he referred to it as a “hellhole” and described the conditions as “medieval.” He expressed doubts about his ability to persevere.

“I won’t be there for April,” he said grimly.

Here we find ourselves, poised to begin the retrial with opening statements imminent this week, accompanied by a court order that keeps him in Bellevue until the trial’s end. During his previous hearings, when prosecutors addressed the accusers as “survivors”, Harvey’s main lawyer, Arthur Aidala, would strongly object: “Referring to some individuals as ‘survivors‘ is a presumptive term.” In truth, it was his client who endured and survived in this situation.

***

I stand firm, albeit shakily, thanks to a dedicated team of supporters. Countless hours are invested in my case (and let me clarify, my longtime public representative Juda Engelmayer emphasizes that this isn’t pro bono work; he mentions ongoing royalties from his films as proof). These interactions are primarily over the phone, which is fitting, given that I’ve made it clear from the start that I prefer not to have visitors. “He doesn’t need face-to-face interaction,” one of my lawyers explains. Prison rules require me to use a walker when I’m out of my cell, and the unsteady journey to the visitation room feels precarious. It causes me unease. The young actress with whom I connected before prison remains a trusted confidante, but she moved to Malibu some time ago. My college roommate from SUNY Buffalo, retired pediatrician Bill Currao, has visited me at both of my upstate prisons, and so have my children by Chapman. They still care about me when it comes to the kids, a close family member confides.

The person who frequently communicates with Weinstein hasn’t visited him in Rikers: Prison consultant Craig Rothfeld of Inside Outside Ltd., who is also representing the accused United Healthcare CEO killer, Luigi Mangione, has become a key figure in New York City and State systems. He acts as a primary advocate for white-collar offenders who find themselves incarcerated, similar to Trump accountant Allen Weisselberg’s case. Rothfeld shares the unspoken regulations of prison life, such as managing tense situations that could lead to violence, like waiting in line for the phone or asserting dominance over the TV in the common area. He assists in setting up commissary accounts. These accounts are often used as a trade system among prisoners, allowing them to obtain extra food or phone time, even if Weinstein has been segregated from other inmates since being released from suicide watch in 2020. Craig Rothfeld serves as Weinstein’s business contact and healthcare liaison, acting as a bridge between Weinstein’s legal team, his family, and the outside world.

A man with youthful energy and a beard, Rothfeld shares that Rikers Island restricts individuals labeled as “Centrally Monitored Cases” from wandering the prison freely without being handcuffed, since they are supervised closely.

Due to his lone conviction for a sex crime in California, Weinstein continues to be under strict supervision. This is because such extensive crimes, including sex offenses, are categorized as ones that significantly impact public interest. One could argue that the precautions taken seem excessive, especially when 16 law enforcement officers attend a relatively small courtroom for Weinstein’s second arraignment in Manhattan – it might appear as though he poses no threat to anyone, unless you believe they are primarily concerned about potential disturbances from spectators towards Weinstein.

During his transportation, Harvey Weinstein reluctantly accepts the ankle bracelet but has never been paired with another inmate in any vehicle as is customary. Instead, he is always transported solo—a reason for his complaints about being left unattended like a bag of potatoes; just a couple weeks ago, he endured eight consecutive hours in a wheelchair in a lower court cell while waiting for his designated driver. The endless waits are the cause of him often having several thick books on his lap, ranging from biographies of prominent figures such as Elia Kazan and Abraham Lincoln to bestsellers like “Conclave”. It’s not about trying to impress the media with his intellectual prowess but rather keeping himself occupied. Traveling is one of the most degrading, tiring, and disorienting experiences for prisoners; Weinstein was transported on a state-owned medical plane in 2021 to face his charges in Los Angeles, contrary to some reports suggesting a luxurious private jet, according to Rothfeld: “He’s still shackled. He’s still a prisoner. It’s not the way you want to travel.

Rothfeld, who was once an inmate at Rikers and served his time after being convicted in 2015 for defrauding investors and falsifying business records, admits to his mistakes. He states, “I made a mistake. I faced the consequences, and it’s not anyone else’s blame.

Immediately following Harvey Weinstein’s conviction in 2020, Rothfeld estimates that he’s conversed with Weinstein around 6,000 times over the phone. He’s only visited him in person a few times, these occasions being sporadic court appearances or at Bellevue Hospital’s prison wing – roughly two or three times in total. There was also one week during Weinstein’s trial in Los Angeles that I recall. Weinstein calls Rothfeld around 3 to 4 times per day now, just like any other inmate at Rikers. As with all prisoners, Weinstein is given 21 minutes of phone time for every three hours he spends in custody. This means he can make a 15-minute call and a 6-minute call between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm.

Rothfeld goes on to discuss political matters in Israel and global news. He mentions the books he’s currently reading as a means of distracting himself from his current predicament, which seems beneficial for him.

Due to his previously outgoing lifestyle, Weinstein has been forced to adapt to an unusually solitary confinement. He was detained in protective custody at Rikers Island, which means he spends 23 hours each day in his own cell within the former infectious diseases wing of the institution. The authorities at Rikers claim that Weinstein’s enforced isolation is a security measure intended to safeguard their high-profile inmate from dangerous prisoners seeking notoriety. However, this is not a medical ward, and there’s no advanced technology like remote-controlled floating beds, a decision made by the New York City Department of Corrections that angers his supporters. According to Rothfeld, appearance plays a significant role in this decision. “Image is crucial,” says Rothfeld. “The District Attorney can’t be perceived as granting special treatment.

Weinstein’s health issues have impeded his ability to go outside the facility, as he can only engage with medical personnel and correctional officers. Moreover, due to recent staffing shortages, obtaining outdoor time has become challenging for all inmates.

Rothfeld emphasizes that the individual is rarely interacting with other inmates, leading to a solitary lifestyle. If not for his California conviction, he would likely be under home confinement with an ankle monitor and have regular doctor visits, Rothfeld notes. However, he maintains a strained relationship with some of his children and his younger brother and former co-CEO, Bob Weinstein. Last February, Harvey filed a lawsuit against Bob, alleging that he secretly drained money from the Weinstein Company before its collapse in 2017, and also persuaded Harvey to take on excessive financial obligations as guarantor for a $45 million loan. Through his attorney Brian Kohn at Cyrulnik Fattaruso LLP, Bob Weinstein responds that Harvey’s claims are fabricated, and they are eager to prove their baseless nature in court.

Harvey didn’t step foot outside during his entire two-year stint dealing with Los Angeles sex crime charges. Rothfeld adds, “It’s harsh.” If he were to be acquitted in Manhattan, the 16-year sentence he received in California wouldn’t count any time served in Manhattan because it’s consecutive, not concurrent. (This is due to a decision made by the California judge who had the discretion in this matter.)

Harvey didn’t leave his house for two years while dealing with sex crime charges in Los Angeles. If he gets acquitted in Manhattan, the 16-year sentence he got in California won’t take into account any time served in Manhattan because those sentences are served one after the other, not at the same time.

“A dick move,” Juda Engelmayer calls it, hotly anticipating the results of that appeal.

In correctional facilities located in upstate New York (Wende and later Mohawk), Weinstein was provided with a tablet during his incarceration. This luxury wasn’t available at the L.A. County jail. State prisons now provide inmates with Securus Unity tablets that have email and phone capabilities. However, tablets at Rikers, managed by New York City, do not offer these privileges. Weinstein was able to read newspapers on his Rikers tablet but does not have one at Bellevue. It’s challenging to bring physical newspapers into jails, but he can receive whatever magazines are allowed. Engelmayer notes that Weinstein stays informed about the Hollywood industry as much as possible, although the information he receives is usually a week old. He might discuss something that has already passed its relevance when I talk to him.

In both his upstate correctional facilities and Rikers, there are communal day rooms that contain a television available for Weinstein’s private use, at the discretion of the guards who manage the remote control. They occasionally evict others so he can utilize the room, and he typically spends his time watching news or Entertainment Tonight, but never long enough to finish a full-length film.

Weinstein continues to sell books on Amazon, receiving around 2-3 copies a week. Instead of reviewing scripts during his meetings, he now provides comments on various drafts of legal documents. His lawyers confirm that he is deeply engaged in the details of his defense. However, unlike before, his cell isn’t filled with the numerous court filings (both against and by him). The documents are either shredded or sent back to the lawyers due to security concerns, as they may be made public if found during searches. Prisons also have specific rules about letters, limiting them to a few pages. I once had my mail returned because I wrote “P. Eaton” instead of my full name in the return address field, emphasizing the need for prisons to know who their prisoners are corresponding with.

Contrary to rumors, it appears that Weinstein has not attended any sex-offender therapy programs run within prisons. According to Rothfeld, such participation is typically reserved for individuals who are nearer to their release dates.

Jennifer Bonjean is a lawyer who has represented R. Kelly and successfully secured Bill Cosby’s release on appeal. Currently handling Harvey Weinstein’s appeal in California, Bonjean will now question Miriam Haley during the Manhattan retrial. She describes Weinstein as being straightforward rather than charismatic. However, she concedes that he is genuine.

Bonjean states that being in Rikers is tough for her, as she bears the words ‘Not Guilty’ tattooed on her right shoulder. She explains, ‘They say either the time is wearing you down or you’re making the most of it. Harvey seems to be enduring his time. However, it feels like he’s still pulling the strings from behind bars, managing relationships.’

Bonjean attempted to meet Harvey in Los Angeles, but was not allowed. When she visited him at Bellevue, he mentioned casually, “Could you fetch me David Mamet’s latest book?” This she shared without any additional remarks.

***

The formerly well-known studio chief, known for his liberal views, has recently been embraced by conservative circles. He has gone far beyond the usual level of association with attorney Aidala, who is a critic of D.A. Alvin Bragg’s investigation into Donald Trump’s hush money case and was also the lawyer who successfully avoided jail time for Steve Bannon just a few weeks ago. This change seems to have happened right next door.

Conservative commentator Candace Owens is performing passionate readings of transcripts from Harvey Weinstein’s first trial for her podcast’s audience of four million listeners. Meanwhile, Joe Rogan on his own podcast expresses disbelief that he finds himself siding with Harvey Weinstein, strangely attributing the accusations against him to differences in courtship between generations and labeling him as a man “caught up in the wrong time and place.

Initially not a supporter of Donald Trump (even Hollywood’s renowned marketing guru expressed concerns that Trump might win when the aggressive imagery of Butler, Pennsylvania started circulating in the media), Weinstein has unexpectedly become the most unlikely symbol for what Trump is terming “the misuse of prosecutorial power.

The renewed public interest seems to be boosting Weinstein’s spirits as his retrial commences. He’s once again making headlines by calling various media outlets such as TMZ.com, Daily Mail, and the New York Post about himself. Critics have chided him for showing signs of amusement, but he attempted to suppress any joy during a final court hearing before the trial begins. Weinstein has reportedly gained 25 pounds, giving him a somewhat bison-like appearance in an unusual transformation. His press representative, Engelmayer, claims that despite his current tongue infection and hospitalization at Bellevue for the trial, he is actually on a decline in health. On the first day of his trial, Weinstein filed a lawsuit against what appears to be the entire state prison system, including Bellevue, claiming the conditions were inhumane and potentially aggravating those who are caring for him.

Rothfeld, who specializes in prison consulting, recommends that all his incarcerated clients read “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist-philosopher who endured imprisonment in Auschwitz and observed the survival patterns within that notoriously harsh environment. Rothfeld expresses uncertainty about whether Harvey has read the book due to client confidentiality concerns. According to Frankl, an individual’s perception of their future may impact their lifespan. So, what does Harvey Weinstein envision for his own future?

Not in the movie business. 

In January, Harvey expressed to the judge that he sought fairness for himself, exhibiting a determined spirit.

It wouldn’t have been simple for Georgina Chapman to hear Adrien Brody, her boyfriend and an actor, address Weinstein’s children during his Oscar acceptance speech last month, referring to himself as “Popsy.

Rothfeld expresses that he believes he envisions a sense of freedom,” he said. “This includes spending quality time with his loved ones and fostering deeper, more significant relationships.

Engelmeyer expresses that he wishes his kids to understand he’s not a villain, and that he adored cinema, was creative and an artist.

Attorney Bonjean remarks, “It could be a distant hope to restore any part of your reputation or legacy. Those things will likely prove extremely challenging to regain.” However, Harvey doesn’t seem to envision himself remaining in Rikers. It’s not the place he should die. The idea is truly frightening, but he’s putting up an incredible fight.

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2025-04-22 17:25