Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been rushed to a New York City hospital for emergency heart surgery, adding to his ongoing health woes. The 72-year-old was transported from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital late Sunday after experiencing severe chest pains.
Weinstein’s representatives, Juda Engelmayer and Craig Rothfeld, confirmed the procedure, identifying it as pericardiocentesis, a procedure to remove fluid from around the heart. Weinstein had been feeling unwell for several weeks, with his condition worsening daily. His lawyer, Arthur Aidala, urged jail officials to move him to Bellevue, expressing concerns for Weinstein’s life. The Department of Correction’s website confirmed Weinstein’s transfer to Bellevue’s Prison Ward.
This latest health scare comes as Weinstein faces significant legal developments. In April, New York’s highest court overturned Weinstein’s 2020 conviction for sexual assault and rape, citing judicial errors. The court ruled that the trial judge erred by allowing testimonies from women whose accusations were not part of the charges Weinstein faced. This decision impacted Weinstein’s choice not to testify in his own defense. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has indicated plans to retry Weinstein.
Weinstein has a history of health issues, including COVID-19, pneumonia, and heart problems, since his 2020 conviction. He remains in custody awaiting a retrial scheduled for November 12.
