Harvey Weinstein returned to Rikers Island jail after claims of VIP treatment at hospital
Former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was transferred back to Rikers Island jail in New York City after reports surfaced alleging he was receiving VIP treatment during his hospital stay. Weinstein’s publicist, Juda Engelmeyer, denied the claims, stating that Weinstein was not receiving preferential treatment and was housed in a regular inmate floor at Bellevue Hospital.
Weinstein was initially transferred to Bellevue Hospital from the Mohawk Correctional Facility after his conviction was vacated by the New York Court of Appeals. The appeals court ordered a new trial due to the judge allowing jurors to see and hear evidence unrelated to the charges he faced. Despite this, Weinstein remained jailed due to a separate conviction in Los Angeles for rape.
While prosecutors are seeking a retrial in September for the New York charges, it is uncertain if key witnesses will return. Weinstein has consistently denied the allegations against him. Craig Rothfeld, a jail consultant working with Weinstein’s attorneys, stated that medical staff made the decision to return Weinstein to Rikers for ongoing medical monitoring.
Weinstein, who has been battling health issues including pneumonia and heart troubles, expressed disappointment at his return to Rikers but remains hopeful after the recent appeals ruling. Engelmeyer mentioned that Weinstein understands the long road ahead, with a pending appeal in the California case. Despite the challenges, Weinstein’s spirits are up as he prepares for the legal battles ahead.