NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein’s legal team took action on Tuesday by filing a legal claim against New York City. They assert that Weinstein is not receiving proper medical care and is enduring unsanitary conditions while housed at the infamous Rikers Island jail complex.
The claim marks the initial step towards a lawsuit and accuses the facility of neglecting Weinstein’s serious health issues, including chronic myeloid leukemia and diabetes. It notes concerns about extremely cold conditions and a lack of clean clothing.
Weinstein, who is 72 years old, has been in custody since earlier this year after the New York Court of Appeals nullified his 2020 rape conviction. This case is scheduled for retrial in 2025, and Weinstein has continued to deny any wrongdoing.
During a recent visit, Weinstein’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, reported seeing him in distressing circumstances. Ansari mentioned that Weinstein’s prison attire was stained with blood, possibly from IVs, and that he had not been supplied with clean clothes or underwear for weeks – a stark violation of sanitary standards, especially for someone facing significant health challenges.
Weinstein’s medical history is extensive, having been briefly hospitalized in April and July due to various health issues. His team has indicated that he has been managing diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, COVID-19, and an accumulation of fluid in his heart and lungs.
The legal claim seeks $5 million in damages, noting that Weinstein was returned to Rikers after each hospitalization before he was fully restored to health. This raises serious questions about his treatment and care within the jail.
In the wake of his convictions, Weinstein’s film production company entered bankruptcy proceedings, leading to the establishment of a $17 million fund aimed at addressing sexual misconduct claims against him.
While the city has plans to close the Rikers Island facility by 2027, there have been delays in meeting these deadlines, raising further concerns about the future of inmates housed there.
The city’s law department and Department of Correction have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Weinstein’s claims.
