Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood producer, is urgently pleading with a court in New York to move up his retrial date for sex crimes due to his declining health and the dire conditions at the Rikers Island prison.
Weinstein, who appeared in court in a navy blue suit and wheelchair, expressed concerns about not being able to hold on much longer and emphasized the urgency of bringing the trial to a close.
The 72-year-old, who suffers from various medical conditions such as cancer and diabetes, highlighted the difficulties he faces on a daily basis due to his health issues.
He described the conditions at Rikers Island as “medieval” and raised concerns about the subpar medical treatment he has been receiving in unhygienic surroundings. Despite officials planning to close the facility, Weinstein emphasized the urgent need to expedite his trial proceedings.
Weinstein’s landmark 2020 rape conviction was overturned by the New York court of appeals, citing a lack of fairness in the trial process.
This development dealt a significant blow to the MeToo movement, which emerged in response to the allegations against Weinstein in 2017.
The producer is currently facing retrial on charges of raping an aspiring actor in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on a production assistant in 2006.
Despite his plea for mercy and the challenging circumstances he faces, the judge denied Weinstein’s request to dismiss a new sexual assault charge.
