NEW YORK — Harvey Weinstein has been transferred to a hospital in New York City following a judge’s approval of his request to remain there instead of a jail cell when he is not attending court during his #MeToo retrial.
On Thursday evening, Judge Paul Goetz ruled that Weinstein should move immediately from the notorious Rikers Island jail complex to the prison ward at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. This decision was made so that Weinstein could receive necessary medical care.
Weinstein’s legal team sought the judge’s approval for the transfer at the start of jury selection this week. They highlighted that the conditions at Rikers, including very low temperatures, were worsening Weinstein’s existing health issues. The once-prominent Hollywood producer is dealing with chronic myeloid leukemia, diabetes, and has mobility issues that necessitate using a wheelchair to navigate the court visits.
The arrangement ordered by Goetz will last until at least next Thursday, coinciding with the date of a scheduled hearing for further discussion. Meanwhile, the retrial is overseen by another judge, Curtis Farber. Jury selection is set to continue on Monday after having already selected nine jurors this week. A total of 12 jurors and six alternates are required.
Weinstein, who is facing charges of rape and sexual assault for a second time, was granted a retrial after the New York Court of Appeals annulled his 2020 conviction and 23-year sentence. The conviction was overturned due to findings of procedural errors and biased testimony affecting the original trial. Weinstein maintains his plea of not guilty, denying all allegations of sexual misconduct.
In recent months, Weinstein has been frequently treated at Bellevue for numerous health conditions. During a pretrial hearing in January, Weinstein expressed frustration about his conditions at Rikers, calling it a “hellhole” and pleading for better treatment.
In a legal complaint filed last November, Weinstein’s attorneys accused New York City of providing inadequate medical care within unsanitary conditions at the jail, seeking $5 million in damages. They argued that Weinstein was often returned to Rikers before his recovery was complete.
Rikers Island has faced heightened scrutiny due to reports of mistreatment and perilous environments within its detention facilities. A federal judge last year indicated a potential takeover by federal authorities, acknowledging that the city had subject inmates to “unconstitutional danger.”