Harvey Weinstein fears he won't survive prison—'begs' for early retrial
What's the story
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has reportedly pleaded with a judge to fast-track his sexual assault retrial as his health continues to deteriorate.
During a hearing on Wednesday, the 72-year-old former producer said he wasn't sure how much longer he could take it and stressed that he wanted justice and closure.
His retrial was initially scheduled for November but has been delayed to April 15.
Trial request
'Every day is a struggle....'
Weinstein appeared in court in a wheelchair and begged the judge to speed up his trial.
"I'm in a serious emergency situation. I am begging the court to move your date," so he can "get out of this hell hole as quickly as possible."
"Every day is a struggle in my heart," he added.
"There are so many people suffering on Rikers Island, so many people I'm with in prison," he stated. "I speak for all of them."
Health struggles
Weinstein's health issues and legal battles
Weinstein is fighting several health issues such as chronic myeloid leukemia, diabetes, coronary artery disease, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid issues, obesity, high blood pressure, and chronic back pain.
He contracted COVID-19 and double pneumonia in July 2024 and underwent emergency heart surgery in September.
In November 2024, he threatened to sue Rikers Island where he is in custody, and Bellevue Hospital where he has been treated for medical neglect.
Legal proceedings
Weinstein's overturned conviction and retrial
In April 2024, a New York appeals court overturned Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction, granting him a retrial. He pleaded not guilty in September.
The appeals court decision hinged on the judge's error in admitting "irrelevant" testimony from women whose allegations weren't part of the case.
Nevertheless, Weinstein remains behind bars, serving a 16-year prison sentence from a 2022 California conviction for rape.
Retrial details
Weinstein's retrial charges and additional indictment
Weinstein is being retried on charges that he forcibly performed oral sex on a movie and TV production assistant in 2006 and raped an aspiring actor in 2013.
An additional charge was filed last September, alleging he forced oral sex on another woman at a Manhattan hotel in 2006.
This woman came forward just days before the start of Weinstein's first trial but wasn't part of that case.
Nearly 100 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct.