Harvey Weinstein to attend court hearing despite recent health issues
What's the story
Harvey Weinstein, the notorious film producer, is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday (local time) despite recent health complications that led to his hospitalization.
His spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, confirmed that Weinstein's health conditions including diabetes, cardiac problems, sleep apnea, and near blindness "have not magically disappeared, but are being managed."
This announcement comes after speculation arose about the 72-year-old's attendance following the recent overturning of his 2020 sex crimes conviction on April 25.
Legal confirmation
Weinstein's lawyers confirmed his attendance at upcoming hearing
Engelmayer dispelled rumors about Weinstein's potential absence by confirming that his lawyers, Arthur Aidala and Diana Samson, visited him and verified his attendance at the hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Over the weekend, Weinstein was transferred from Mohawk Correctional Facility in upstate New York to Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward.
This move followed a brief stay at Rikers Island after his conviction and 23-year sentence was overturned by New York's Appeal Court.
New trial
Weinstein's conviction overturned, new trial called
The Appeals Court has called for a new trial for Weinstein, who vehemently continues to assert his innocence.
The upcoming hearing with Judge Curtis Farber will officially nullify Weinstein's 2020 NYC verdict and reportedly initiate the criminal justice process anew.
However, due to a separate 2018 conviction in Los Angeles for rape charges and a subsequent 16-year sentence, Weinstein will remain incarcerated.
Health status
Weinstein's health monitored, transfer to Rikers anticipated
Patrick Rocchio, spokesperson for the NY Department of Corrections confirmed to Deadline that "Weinstein remains in custody."
Craig Rothfeld, Weinstein's prison consultant and authorized NYC DOCS & Correctional Health Services representative added that Weinstein is currently under the care of CHS at Bellevue Hospital where his health conditions are being monitored.
Once Weinstein's medical condition stabilizes post-tests, he'll be transferred back to Rikers Island according to an unnamed law enforcement official.
The timeline for this move remains unspecified.
About the case
Weinstein was charged, arrested for assault in 2018
In May 2018, following revelations by the New York Times about decades of abuse, Weinstein was charged and arrested for rape.
His conviction in February 2020 on charges of first-degree sexual assault and third-degree rape of Mimi Haley and Jessica Mann resulted in a 23-year sentence.
Last week, the Appeals Court overturned his conviction, a significant setback for the #MeToo movement.
Weinstein was also ordered to register as a sex offender—a designation likely to be removed at the upcoming hearing.