Harvey Weinstein has returned to Bellevue Hospital’s prison ward to receive treatment for multiple health issues, according to his representative.
The hospitalization occurs as Weinstein awaits his retrial on sexual assault charges in New York City.
His representative and prison consultant, Craig Rothfeld, revealed through The Wrap that Weinstein is being treated for ongoing health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, and fluid buildup around his heart and lungs, among others.
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In addition to these chronic conditions, the 72-year-old former Hollywood producer has tested positive for COVID-19 and has developed double pneumonia, Rothfeld reported.
“We are grateful to the officers, doctors, and nurses at DOCS, CHS, and NYC H+H for their swift action in transferring Mr. Weinstein to Bellevue Hospital’s prison ward to ensure he receives the necessary medical care,” Rothfeld stated.
Earlier this year, Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction in New York was overturned by the state’s Court of Appeals. The court cited judicial errors and improper rulings that allowed testimonies of uncharged allegations.
Despite the overturning, Weinstein remains imprisoned due to his 2022 conviction of rape in a Los Angeles court, where he was sentenced to 16 years.
Weinstein’s retrial for the overturned charges, including first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape, is scheduled to begin on November 12th.
He was first publicly accused of sexual misconduct in 2017, has consistently denied all allegations against him.
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In 2023, the jury’s access to 72 pieces of sensitive and embarrassing photographic material was being discussed. Harvey faces the following charges: forcible rape, forceful oral copulation, sexual penetration with use of force, and sexual assault for moderation.
Jackie Lacey, Los Angeles County District Attorney released the charges and the following message: “We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then commit violent crimes against them.” The producer’s lawyers did not comment on these charges.
Let’s remember that this is not the first time that Harvey has faced this type of accusation, especially from the #MeToo movement. However, due to inconsistencies, some previous cases did not last.
However, Rose McGowan and Sarah Ann Masse, actresses who have accused him, felt that there would be a moment of justice and that they would not be silenced again. Ashley Judd, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Beckinsale, Uma Thurman and Salma Hayek also denounced the producer in previous years.
Weinstein was already facing charges of raping an unidentified woman at a Manhattan hotel in 2013 and forcing a second woman to receive oral sex in his Manhattan apartment in 2006.
The producer also faces a charge of committing sexual assault against more than one person and if found guilty in it, he will face life in prison.
Until now, Weinstein maintains in all cases that his sexual encounters were consensual and pleads not guilty.
