Harvey Weinstein has been taken to hospital after being moved to a New York jail, according to his lawyer.
Arthur Aidala, the former film producer’s attorney, said that Weinstein was transferred to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan for tests after his arrival on Friday to the prison system in the city.
It comes days after Weinstein’s conviction for rape in 2020 was overturned on the basis that he did not receive a fair trial.
The Silence Breakers, a victims’ group, described the move as “disheartening and profoundly unjust”, while lawyers for victims said the decision to retry was a “leap backwards” and “tragic”.
Mr Aidala said: “They examined him and sent him to Bellevue. It seems like he needs a lot of help, physically. He’s got a lot of problems. He’s getting all kinds of tests. He’s somewhat of a train wreck health-wise.”
The hospital is yet to comment.
Range of health issues
Weinstein, 72, has suffered a range of health issues, including diabetes, cardiac issues, along with sleep apnea and eye problems, for some time.
Mr Aidala added that Weinstein was still “sharp as a tack” mentally, and his health problems are physical.
He was moved to the Rikers Island jail complex from the Mohawk Correctional Facility on Friday where he has been held since 2023.
“He was not treated well. They refused to give him even a sip of water, no food, no bathroom break,” said Mr Aidala.
“He’s a 72-year-old sickly man.”
Weinstein had been serving a 23-year sentence following accusations that he assaulted an ex-production assistant Mimi Haley in 2006 and raped former aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 during the 2020 trial.
He remains in jail as he was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape, which he is also appealing.
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