Harvey Weinstein has been moved to a hospital following an “alarming blood test result,” according to his legal representatives.
The 72-year-old required “urgent medical intervention” subsequent to the test and was transported from the Rikers Island jail facility to Bellevue Hospital in New York City, as stated by his attorneys.
Weinstein’s lawyers remarked: “Harvey Weinstein, who has been enduring inadequate medical care and facing atrocious and inhumane conditions on Rikers Island, has been taken to Bellevue Hospital for immediate treatment due to a concerning blood test result that necessitates urgent medical attention.”
“He is anticipated to remain there until his condition stabilizes.”
They further asserted: “His neglect of care constitutes not only medical malpractice but also a breach of his constitutional rights.”
The former film industry titan is awaiting a retrial concerning his 2020 conviction for rape and sexual assault, which was annulled by New York’s highest court in April.
This case is slated to be retried in 2025. Weinstein has refuted any allegations of wrongdoing.
In the previous month, his attorneys filed a legal claim against New York City, contending that he is receiving inadequate medical care in unsanitary conditions at the jail.
The claim highlights the facility’s failure to adequately manage Weinstein’s medical issues, which include chronic myeloid leukemia and diabetes.
The claim also accuses the facility of negligence, citing “freezing” conditions and a deficiency of clean clothing.
The legal demand seeks $5 million (£3.9 million) in damages.
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Weinstein underwent emergency surgery to remove fluid surrounding his heart and lungs in September, and he was hospitalized in July after testing positive for COVID-19 and contracting double pneumonia.
His spokesperson stated: “Mr. Weinstein, who suffers from numerous illnesses, including leukemia, has been denied the medical attention that a person in his condition rightfully deserves, regardless of his imprisoned status.”
“In many respects, this mishandling of care amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.”
He was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 for another case of rape. His 16-year sentence from that case remains intact, but his lawyers filed an appeal against that ruling in June, asserting that he did not receive a fair trial.
Weinstein also faces two additional criminal charges – one for a criminal sexual act and another for rape – to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Furthermore, he entered a not guilty plea for an extra charge of sexual assault in September.
