Harvey Weinstein has been transported to Bellevue Hospital for urgent medical care following an “alarming blood test result,” his attorney confirmed Monday.
The former Hollywood mogul, currently held at Rikers Island, is reportedly in deteriorating health due to inadequate medical treatment and harsh prison conditions.
Weinstein Diagnosed with Leukemia
Weinstein’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, detailed the gravity of the situation in a statement, emphasizing the critical nature of his condition. “Mr. Weinstein has been subjected to deplorable and inhumane conditions at Rikers Island, resulting in a lack of adequate medical care. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital for emergent treatment due to an alarming blood test result that requires immediate attention,” Ansari said. “This deprivation of care amounts to medical malpractice and a violation of his constitutional rights.”
Spokesperson Juda Engelmayer also confirmed Weinstein’s leukemia diagnosis, following earlier speculation. “Mr. Weinstein is battling several illnesses, including leukemia, and has been denied the necessary medical attention. This level of neglect constitutes cruel and unusual punishment,” Engelmayer stated.
Health Woes Amid Legal Battles
Weinstein, 72, is awaiting trial on multiple charges, including three alleged sex crimes stemming from a recent indictment. He faces a retrial after his 2020 rape conviction in New York was overturned earlier this year. Despite his worsening health, Weinstein has maintained his innocence, with his legal team declaring, “He’s here to fight this case with every ounce of strength he has.”
Weinstein’s health has been a growing concern. His team has advocated for him to be held full-time at Bellevue Hospital, citing his fragile condition. In July, his doctor reported he was suffering from fluid around his heart and lungs, spinal stenosis, macular degeneration, and high blood sugar linked to the carbohydrate-heavy meals at Rikers.
In September, Weinstein underwent emergency heart surgery but has since attended court hearings. His upcoming trial, involving charges that carry a potential 25-year sentence, is expected to begin in April 2025.
Pushing for Proper Medical Care
Weinstein’s legal team continues to push for better medical accommodations, arguing that the conditions at Rikers are exacerbating his illnesses. His hospitalization this week adds to the mounting concerns about his ability to endure prolonged incarceration while facing the legal battles ahead.
