Harvey Weinstein, the 72-year-old former film producer, has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a rare form of bone marrow cancer. The reports, first revealed by ABC News and NBC News, confirm that Weinstein is receiving treatment while serving his 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault at Riker’s Island in New York, according to People.
Weinstein’s Representative Responds to Speculation
Weinstein’s representative and prison consultant, Craig Rothfeld, released a statement addressing the media speculation surrounding his client’s health. “It is both troubling and unacceptable that such private and confidential health matters have become a subject of public discourse,” Rothfeld said, emphasizing respect for Weinstein’s privacy and declining to provide further comments.
Chronic myeloid leukemia is a slow-growing cancer that results in an increased number of white blood cells in the blood, according to the Mayo Clinic.
A Series of Health Issues for Weinstein
Weinstein’s cancer diagnosis is the latest in a string of serious health problems. In September 2024, Weinstein appeared in court for the first time after undergoing heart surgery, during which he pleaded not guilty to a new criminal sexual assault charge. Weinstein has also battled COVID-19 and double pneumonia, requiring hospitalization in July. His representative stated that Weinstein had been treated for numerous conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, and fluid retention in his heart and lungs.
In April 2024, Weinstein was hospitalized for a series of tests, with his attorney, Arthur Aidala, describing him as “a train wreck health-wise.”
Legal Struggles Continue
Weinstein’s legal battles are far from over. He was convicted in February 2020 of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape, leading to his 23-year prison sentence. His conviction came after more than 80 women accused him of sexual misconduct in 2017, which helped ignite the #MeToo movement.
However, in April 2024, the New York Court of Appeals overturned Weinstein’s 2020 conviction, citing that the trial judge had improperly allowed the testimony of three women whose allegations were unrelated to the criminal case. A retrial is expected to take place in early 2025.
Weinstein remains behind bars as he awaits his new trial, while continuing to face significant health challenges.
