Harvey Weinstein hospitalized amidst legal battles

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan for a series of medical tests, just two days after his rape conviction was overturned by the New York Court of Appeals. His lawyer, Arthur Aidala, confirmed Weinstein’s hospitalization, stating that Weinstein “needs a lot of help, physically” and is undergoing various medical examinations. Despite his hospitalization, Weinstein remains in custody while receiving medical treatment, according to Frank Dwyer, a spokesperson for the NYC Department of Correction. Weinstein’s prison consultant and DOC liaison, Craig Rothfeld, expressed gratitude for the care provided by the NYC DOC.

Weinstein’s legal troubles escalated after his rape conviction in New York was overturned by a 4-3 ruling from the appeals court. The decision cited prejudicial rulings during the trial, including the admission of testimony about allegations not included in the initial case. A new trial has been scheduled for May 1. Judge Jenny Rivera emphasized the importance of upholding the accused’s rights in the ruling, regardless of the nature of the crime or public pressure to convict.

Weinstein was previously found guilty of criminal sexual assault and rape, leading to a 23-year prison sentence in February 2020, based on testimonies from Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann. Despite the reversal of his New York conviction, Weinstein still faces legal challenges. In December 2022, he was convicted of rape in Los Angeles, ensuring that he will remain incarcerated even if a new trial is initiated in New York. Plans are being made to transfer him to a California prison to serve his sentence, according to The Hollywood Reporter.