Harvey Weinstein’s defense team is seeking to allow him to spend his nights at a hospital instead of Rikers Island during the upcoming rape retrial. The 73-year-old former film producer claims that his prison stay is worsening his health conditions, including chronic myeloid leukemia, heart issues, and severe limitations on his ability to walk.
Weinstein’s lawyer, Imran Ansari, stated that the mistreatment he received while in prison led to him being hospitalized recently due to a tongue infection. Ansari warned that Weinstein faces significant stress from the trial, which may lead to serious health complications, including death.
The request was made during day two of jury selection. Judge Curtis Farber has yet to rule on the matter. This is not the first time Weinstein has requested his retrial be moved up due to his health issues; however, the judge previously denied this request.
Weinstein had recently spoken directly to the court, begging for a change in the trial date to allow him to receive medical treatment sooner. His health conditions have been a subject of concern throughout the case, with lawyers arguing that he is receiving inadequate medical care while incarcerated.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinsteins-team-stresses-sex-crime-retrial-could-lead-death-requests-hospital-stay