Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced former Hollywood producer whose downfall sparked the #MeToo movement, has been hospitalized in New York City.
This comes after his 2020 rape conviction was overturned by a New York court of appeals.
According to Weinstein’s lawyers, he is being taken to the hospital for a series of tests. They have stated that he requires significant physical assistance and is facing various health problems.
The recent court ruling criticized the judge who presided over Weinstein’s case during the height of the #MeToo era, citing “egregious” improper rulings that prejudiced him. The court also condemned the presiding judge for allowing unrelated accusers to testify against Weinstein.
Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, revealed that he spoke to Weinstein on Friday while he was being transferred from the Mohawk correctional facility to the Department of Correction in New York City. Aidala emphasized that Weinstein’s issues are primarily physical and that he remains mentally sharp.
However, Aidala expressed concern over Weinstein’s treatment in jail, claiming that he was denied basic necessities such as water, food, and bathroom breaks. He described Weinstein as a 72-year-old man in poor health.
Weinstein’s defense team has previously argued that he suffers from various health conditions, including cardiac issues, diabetes, sleep apnea, and eye problems.
In 2021, Weinstein’s lawyer asserted that the once-prominent movie producer continues to face health challenges.
Aidala stated that the doctors at Bellevue are preparing to conduct numerous tests on Weinstein before he is sent back to the Rikers Island jail complex. The attorney mentioned that he has a meeting scheduled with Weinstein on Monday.
He also mentioned his intention to inform the judge that the retrial should only take place after Labour Day when Weinstein appears in court on Wednesday in Manhattan.
Outrage among Weinstein’s victims
Several women who have accused Weinstein of sexual crimes or harassment expressed anger over the decision made by the New York court.
“It’s a stark reminder that victims of sexual assault rarely receive justice,” said Katherine Kendall, an actress who accused Weinstein of luring her into what she thought was a work meeting in 1993. “I am deeply disappointed by the current state of the justice system,” she added.
Ashley Judd, the first actress to come forward with allegations, described the decision as “unjust to survivors.” “We continue to stand by our truth,” she stated. “We remember what happened.”
Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, a Filipino Italian model, accused Weinstein of groping her breasts during a business meeting at his Manhattan office in 2015. However, the Manhattan district attorney’s office chose not to press charges against him.
Following the recent ruling, Gutierrez recounted her experience and stressed the significance of her case in today’s context. “If the D.A. had taken my case seriously in 2015, we wouldn’t be in this situation,” she asserted.
