• Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers request he stays at Bellevue Hospital instead of Rikers Island during his rape retrial, citing severe health issues like chronic myeloid leukemia, heart problems, and mobility challenges.
• Weinstein’s defense highlights poor conditions at Rikers, including freezing temperatures, lack of clean clothing, and inadequate medical care, which they claim worsen his health.
• The retrial involves charges of rape and sexual assault, stemming from allegations in 2006 and 2013, with jury selection still underway.

Lawyers for Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie producer, are urging a judge to allow him to spend nights at Bellevue Hospital instead of Rikers Island jail during his ongoing #MeToo rape retrial. The defense argues that Weinstein’s deteriorating health conditions, including chronic myeloid leukemia, heart problems, and severe walking difficulties, are worsened by jail conditions.

Health Concerns Take Center Stage

Weinstein, 73, appeared in court again on Wednesday, arriving in a wheelchair as jury selection continued for the second day. According to court filings, his defense team claims that the notorious Rikers Island jail complex has aggravated his health. His lawyer, Imran Ansari, noted that Weinstein is dealing with diabetes, sciatica, and sleep apnea, along with a recent tongue infection that was misdiagnosed at Rikers.

The former Hollywood mogul has reportedly gained nearly 20 pounds in the past month due to poor prison conditions. Ansari also highlighted that Weinstein faces freezing temperatures and lacks clean clothing at Rikers, further impacting his physical and mental well-being.

Rikers Scrutinized for Inhumane Conditions

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Rikers Island, long criticized for substandard living conditions, continues to face scrutiny for alleged mistreatment of detainees. Last year, a federal judge opened the door for a potential federal takeover, citing “unconstitutional danger” at the facility. Weinstein’s legal team filed a $5 million claim against New York City in November, alleging inadequate medical care and unsanitary conditions at the jail.

The defense argues that Weinstein has repeatedly been returned to Rikers before fully recovering from hospital stays, leaving his health and safety at further risk. They have requested that he remain in Bellevue’s prison ward for the duration of the trial.

Allegations and Trial Details

Weinstein’s retrial stems from his 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence, which New York’s highest court overturned last year. The court ruled that prejudicial testimony and improper rulings compromised the original trial.

This time, Weinstein faces charges including the alleged rape of an aspiring actress in a Manhattan hotel in 2013 and a criminal sex act involving a production assistant in 2006. Additionally, a new accuser, who has remained anonymous, alleges Weinstein forced oral sex on her at a Manhattan hotel. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to all charges and continues to deny sexually assaulting anyone.

Jury Selection Remains Ongoing

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So far, jury selection has been slow. As of Wednesday morning, two dozen prospective jurors were brought in for questioning after surviving the initial round the previous day. The process is expected to take several days before a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates is finalized.

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What do you think about Weinstein’s request for a hospital stay? Should health concerns override standard procedures in high-profile cases like this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article!

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