Disgraced former Hollywood mogul and Democrat megadonor Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized in New York City, according to reports.
Currently serving a prison sentence for sexual assault, Weinstein was moved to a hospital following a positive COVID-19 test and a diagnosis of double pneumonia, Fox News reported.
Weinstein now faces significant health challenges while awaiting a retrial for an overturned rape conviction.
Weinstein, 72, is enduring several severe health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and spinal stenosis.
The conditions have necessitated his hospitalization at Bellevue Hospital’s Prison Ward in NYC.
The complications from these conditions have been exacerbated by fluid accumulation in his heart and lungs, leading to his recent health decline.
He was transferred to the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.
He then developed double pneumonia, a serious condition that affects both lungs.
Weinstein’s ongoing health problems have been public for some time.
His representative, Craig Rothfeld, highlighted the variety of ailments Weinstein suffers from on a daily basis.
In a statement, Rothfeld said:
“Weinstein is being treated for myriad health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, fluid on his heart and lungs, and various other conditions.”
Additionally, Rothfeld confirmed:
“Mr. Weinstein tested positive for COVID and contracted double pneumonia in his lungs.”
The gravity of Weinstein’s health issues has intersected dramatically with his legal troubles.
Weinstein was convicted in February 2020 for multiple sexual assault charges.
He was sentenced to 16 years after a Los Angeles jury found him guilty of rape and other charges related to a woman known as Jane Doe 1.
Weinstein’s legal team has been actively fighting his convictions, seeking retrials.
His lawyers have also been opposing extradition efforts by California following an overturned rape conviction from 2020.
This legal turmoil has unfolded while Weinstein remains in a hospital setting since the day of his incarceration, according to his attorney, Diana Fabi Samson.
His 2020 rape conviction was overturned by a New York appeals court in April.
The ruling prompted plans for a retrial set for November 12.
In the meantime, his health condition has been a focal point in legal arguments against his extradition to California.
During a May 9 hearing, Weinstein’s legal team opposed the extradition efforts.
They argued that his fragile health would be jeopardized by the travel.
During a post-hearing press conference, Samson emphasized:
“Our main concern is that Mr. Weinstein is here in New York, so we can prepare for trial and that he gets the medical care he needs.”
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