Harvey Weinstein, 72, faced a court hearing in New York where the judge approved merging his retrial with new sexual assault charges against him. His previous rape conviction was overturned in April 2024, but he remains incarcerated. Weinstein, who is undergoing treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia, appeared in court in a wheelchair, and his attorney expressed disappointment over the judge’s decision to consolidate the cases. A next hearing is set for January 29, with a potential trial date in April.
Harvey Weinstein, aged 72, attended a court session in New York City on Wednesday, October 23. During this hearing, the judge approved the prosecution’s request to combine the retrial with the latest charges against the disgraced film executive.
Currently, Weinstein awaits a retrial in New York. His 2020 rape conviction and subsequent 23-year prison sentence were overturned in April 2024 due to procedural errors. Despite this, he remains incarcerated. In 2022, he was handed a 16-year prison sentence for rape in Los Angeles. Recently, he faced additional sexual assault charges in New York, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution argued for the merger of the retrial with the new charges, claiming that separate trials would be impractical. Weinstein’s legal team opposed this, suggesting that the prosecution aimed to expand the retrial’s scope. Although the original trial date was set for November, a new date is still pending, possibly in April, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter. The next hearing is slated for January 29.
In recent news, NBC reported that Weinstein has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. He is currently receiving treatment while incarcerated at Rikers Island in New York. CNN has also relayed information from a source close to Weinstein that he is battling this type of bone marrow cancer.
Weinstein’s attorney, Arthur L. Aidala, addressed the situation after the hearing, stating to CBS News: “I understand there’s a lot of curiosity regarding Mr. Weinstein’s health. While I won’t disclose specific details, I can confirm that Mr. Weinstein is a fighter and is determined to contest this case vigorously, regardless of his health challenges.” He further commented, reflecting on media coverage, “We hope the Department of Corrections and Health & Human Services will ensure he receives the medical care every individual in New York deserves, particularly given his serious health issues.”
Concerns Over Media Coverage
Following the release of information about Weinstein’s health, spokesman Juda Engelmayer expressed concerns through CBS News, stating: “Craig Rothfeld, Mr. Weinstein’s authorized health representative in New York, is deeply troubled by the speculation surrounding his health. It is both inappropriate and unacceptable that such private health matters have entered public conversation. Respecting Mr. Weinstein’s privacy, we will not be providing additional comments.”
Regarding the court’s decision, Aidala remarked, “While we can’t say we’re shocked by the judge’s choice to merge the cases, we are a bit disappointed.” He described his client, who attended the court session in a wheelchair and communicated minimally, as “deeply committed to his defense,” emphasizing Weinstein’s insistence on exploring every possible legal avenue.