Disgraced Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein has been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, as reported by a media outlet in the United States.
Sky News’ US affiliate NBC News reports that two informants have disclosed that Weinstein, aged 72, is currently receiving treatment at Rikers Island prison in New York for chronic myeloid leukemia, an uncommon form of cancer impacting white blood cells.
In a communication to NBC News, Weinstein’s spokesperson Craig Rothfeld remarked they would provide “no additional comments” out of “respect for Mr Weinstein’s privacy”.
Previously, Weinstein’s representatives have indicated that he suffers from diabetes, elevated blood pressure, spinal stenosis, and fluid accumulation in his heart and lungs.
Last month, he underwent emergency surgery to address fluid buildup around his heart and lungs, and in July, he was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 and developing double pneumonia.
Weinstein’s health complications arise as he awaits a retrial concerning his 2020 conviction for rape and sexual assault, which was annulled by New York’s highest court in April.
The Court of Appeals concluded he did not receive a fair trial since the presiding judge improperly permitted testimony against him based on claims that were not pertinent to the case.
Despite the annulment of that conviction, he continues to be incarcerated due to another conviction last year for the rape of an actress in Los Angeles in 2013.
He is currently appealing that conviction.
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Weinstein is still confronting two other criminal charges, to which he has also entered a not guilty plea, including another count of criminal sexual conduct and a rape charge.
Last month, he pleaded not guilty to an additional sexual assault charge.
Once a prominent figure in Hollywood, Weinstein co-founded the film and television production firms Miramax and The Weinstein Company.
He was a producer for films like the Oscar-winning Shakespeare In Love, Pulp Fiction, and The Crying Game.