Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers request transfer to hospital prison ward, citing serious health risks that could lead to death at Rikers Island.

Attorneys for Harvey Weinstein have filed an emergency petition requesting that he be housed at Bellevue Hospital throughout the duration of his criminal trial, which is currently in its second day of jury selection in Manhattan. This move comes as the infamous Hollywood producer, accused of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, faces worsening health conditions while incarcerated.

Weinstein, 73, is undergoing a retrial after New York’s Court of Appeals nullified his prior 2020 conviction. His legal team asserts that he has suffered significant health declines due to inadequate medical care at Rikers Island, where he is currently incarcerated. Reports indicate that Weinstein is battling cancer and multiple infections, conditions that his attorneys claim have worsened due to what they describe as inadequate treatment.

According to Weinstein’s attorney, Imran Ansari, there have been serious issues with the administration of his medication, leading to significant health concerns. Ansari stated that Weinstein’s weight has notably increased—approximately 20 pounds in one month—resulting from significant water retention and other health complications, including a worsening tongue infection that has caused him to vomit frequently.

Weinstein’s legal representation has filed a claim seeking million in damages against the city, asserting that the treatment provided to him at Rikers Island has been substantially inadequate. In response to these claims, a spokesperson from the city’s Correction Department emphasized that the health and safety of individuals in their custody remain a top priority.

The criticisms of Rikers Island’s treatment of detainees are not new. The facility has faced numerous allegations regarding inhumane conditions. In November, a federal judge found the city in contempt for failing to adhere to various court mandates regarding the prison’s operations. This situation highlights ongoing challenges faced by the facility, which has prompted calls for enhanced oversight and reform.

Weinstein gained notoriety for his involvement in the #MeToo movement after numerous women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against him. He is currently facing charges related to accusations from three women, including former aspiring actress Jessica Mann and former television production assistant Miriam Haley. A third accuser, whose identity remains undisclosed, is expected to testify regarding a forced sexual encounter that allegedly occurred in 2006.

Despite the focus on this retrial, legal experts indicate that a not-guilty verdict is not likely to result in Weinstein’s freedom. He has already been convicted on separate charges in Los Angeles in 2022, where he received an additional prison sentence of 16 years.

As the case develops, the ongoing dialogue surrounding Weinstein’s health, the conditions at Rikers Island, and the broader implications for judicial accountability remain pivotal points of discussion. The courtroom proceedings will likely continue to draw attention, reflecting both the high profile of the accused and the societal issues intertwined with the legal system.