NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein, the former studio executive embroiled in the #MeToo movement, has been moved to a New York City hospital following a judge's approval of his request to receive medical treatment outside of jail during his ongoing retrial. Judge Paul Goetz issued the order late Thursday, allowing Weinstein to be transferred from Rikers Island jail complex to the prison ward at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.
The ruling comes as jury selection for Weinstein's retrial resumes this week. Weinstein's legal team argued in court that the harsh conditions of Rikers Island, which include freezing temperatures, were worsening his health problems. Weinstein is facing serious health issues, including chronic myeloid leukemia, diabetes, and mobility problems that necessitate the use of a wheelchair in court.
Judge Goetz’s order regarding Weinstein's relocation will remain in place until at least next Thursday, when a hearing is scheduled to discuss the issue further. The retrial, overseen by a different judge named Curtis Farber, is set to continue on Monday after the selection of nine jurors so far, as the court aims to seat 12 jurors and six alternates overall.
Weinstein is facing new charges of rape and sexual assault after New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals, overturned his 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence. This decision was made due to findings that improper rulings and prejudicial testimony had tainted the initial trial, leading to the requirement for a new trial. Weinstein has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges and denying any allegations of sexual assault.
In recent months, Weinstein has been frequently transported to Bellevue for medical treatment for various ailments. At a pretrial hearing in January, he expressed frustration about his treatment at Rikers, describing it as a “hellhole” that he wished to escape as quickly as possible. Additionally, Weinstein's legal team has filed a lawsuit against New York City, claiming he received substandard medical care in unsanitary conditions while at Rikers. The lawsuit is seeking $5 million in damages and alleges that he has repeatedly been returned to Rikers before fully recovering from his medical issues.
The Rikers Island jail complex continues to draw criticism and scrutiny for its treatment of detainees and dangerous living conditions. Last year, a federal judge ruled that the city placed inmates in “unconstitutional danger,” paving the way for a possible federal takeover of the facility.
As the case unfolds, the legal battle surrounding Harvey Weinstein captivates attention, highlighting ongoing concerns about the intersection of health care, justice, and the conditions facing inmates within the correctional system. The developments in Weinstein's retrial are closely monitored as the narrative of the #MeToo movement and issues of sexual assault continue to resonate in society at large.
