'Train wreck, health-wise': Harvey Weinstein hospitalized before NY court appearance
Infamous Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized following a recent court decision that overturned his 2020 rape conviction. His lawyer, Arthur L. Aidala, disclosed to The Associated Press that the New York City Department of Correction deemed it necessary for Weinstein to receive immediate medical attention. "He's getting all kinds of tests. He's somewhat of a train wreck, health-wise," Aidala stated. The 72-year-old disgraced mogul will remain under custody while receiving medical attention.
Weinstein is currently detained at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan
Frank Dwyer, representing the New York City Department of Correction, confirmed that Weinstein is currently detained at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. Following the court's decision, Thomas Mailey from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision stated that Weinstein was transferred to the city's Department of Correction. This move came after his conviction was invalidated by the New York Court of Appeals last Thursday.
Weinstein's 23-year prison sentence nullified
The New York Court of Appeals ordered a retrial and nullified Weinstein's 23-year prison sentence. The court found that the trial judge erred by allowing three women to testify about allegations not included in the charges and by allowing questions about Weinstein's history of "bad behavior" if he testified. Following this decision, Weinstein was transported from an upstate New York jail to NYC for his initial hearing since his conviction was reversed.
DA's office to seek retrial, but it might not happen
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has announced its intention to seek a retrial, using the same indictment but excluding charges Weinstein was acquitted of four years ago. The office stated, "We will do everything in our power to retry this case, and remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors of sexual assault." However, experts told AP that a potential retrial might not occur soon or even at all. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 1.
Decision for second trial largely depends on witnesses' willingness: Experts
The decision for a second trial largely depends on whether witnesses are willing to testify once more, as explained by experts. In the historic 2020 New York trial, Weinstein was found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape based on testimonies from Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Last year in Los Angeles, he received a 16-year prison sentence for charges related to rape and sexual assault.
