Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced former movie mogul, has been hospitalized in New York City for a battery of tests after his return from an upstate jail following the nullification of his 2020 rape conviction. His lawyer, Arthur Aidala, revealed that Weinstein was moved to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan upon his arrival in the city on Friday.
Aidala expressed concern for Weinstein’s health, stating, “He seems like he needs a lot of help, physically. He’s got a lot of problems. He’s getting all kinds of tests. He’s somewhat of a train wreck health wise.” Weinstein, who is 72 years old, has been suffering from various health issues including cardiac problems, diabetes, sleep apnea, and eye problems.
The New York Court of Appeals recently vacated Weinstein’s conviction, citing that the trial judge allowed jurors to see and hear evidence not directly related to the charges he faced. This decision erased his 23-year prison sentence and ordered a retrial. Prosecutors have indicated their intention to retry Weinstein on charges of forcibly performing oral sex on a production assistant in 2006 and raping an aspiring actor in 2013.
Weinstein, who is also serving a 16-year prison sentence in Los Angeles for another rape conviction, remains in custody. Aidala mentioned that Weinstein’s mental state is sharp despite his physical ailments and plans to request a retrial after Labor Day. The lawyer also criticized the treatment Weinstein received in jail, claiming he was denied basic necessities like water and food.
Weinstein is currently undergoing tests at Bellevue Hospital before he can be returned to the Rikers Island jail complex. Aidala is scheduled to meet with Weinstein on Monday and will advocate for his client’s well-being in court on Wednesday.