Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after alarming blood tests, legal team seeks $5 million in damages

Harvey Weinstein has been admitted to the hospital again after his doctors found concerning results in his blood tests. The disgraced Hollywood producer is currently incarcerated at Rikers Island as he awaits his retrial for rape charges in New York next year. On December 2, 2024, his lawyer, Imran H. Ansari, provided an update on his health.

Ansari issued a statement, as reported by Newsweek and Variety, explaining that Weinstein’s blood test results raised “alarming” concerns amid his ongoing battle with leukemia. Although he did not disclose specifics about the blood tests, he confirmed that Weinstein had been hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital for urgent treatment and would remain there until his condition is stable.

Regarding the allegations that Weinstein is not receiving adequate care while in prison, Ansari commented on Monday: "His deprivation of care is not only medical malpractice, but violation of his constitutional rights."

Over the years, Weinstein has been diagnosed with multiple health conditions, including chronic myeloid leukemia, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and sleep apnea. Additionally, his team revealed that he has been treated for spinal stenosis, COVID-19, and issues related to fluid accumulation in his lungs and heart.

Reports indicate that this isn't the first time Weinstein has been hospitalized at Bellevue. He has reportedly been transferred back and forth between the hospital and Rikers Island multiple times, with his legal team claiming that Bellevue has often discharged him prematurely. Upon his return to Rikers, his health would reportedly worsen, leading to his readmission to the hospital.

On November 26, Weinstein's legal team filed a claim notice, accusing both Rikers Island and Bellevue Hospital staff of failing to provide him with the proper medical care while he has been incarcerated.

Ansari is seeking $5 million in damages, stating that correction officers and medical staff neglected Weinstein’s medical needs. He highlighted issues with his thyroid and white blood cell counts, which were not properly managed. Ansari added that this neglect led to "crashes and destabilization." He also accused the prison of housing Weinstein in extremely cold conditions, which allegedly caused him to contract pneumonia.