Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers have filed a legal claim against New York City, alleging that he is receiving substandard medical treatment in unhygienic conditions while in custody at Rikers Island jail. The notice of claim accuses the facility of failing to manage Weinstein’s chronic medical conditions, including leukemia and diabetes, and neglecting basic hygiene.
Weinstein’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, described the conditions as “gulag-like,” citing instances where he found his client with blood spatter on his clothes, unwashed garments, and no clean underwear despite having severe medical conditions.
The 72-year-old film producer has been in city custody since earlier this year after a court overturned his 2020 rape conviction. His case is set to be retried in 2025, with Weinstein maintaining his innocence.
Weinstein was hospitalized briefly in April and July due to health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, COVID-19, and fluid on his heart and lungs. His team has said he was treated for these conditions before being returned to Rikers each time, despite not fully recovering.
The legal claim seeks $5 million in damages from the city, which is also facing criticism over its handling of Weinstein’s case and the Rikers Island jail’s troubled past. The facility is set to be closed in 2027, but the city has delayed its closure deadline several times.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/harvey-weinstein-rikers-island-jail-lawsuit-7058a74d751d70f81d060a7c8005ac14