Harvey Weinstein pleaded with a Manhattan judge on Wednesday to move up his retrial date, citing his deteriorating health and harsh conditions at Rikers Island. The former Hollywood mogul appeared frail as he arrived in court in a wheelchair, wearing a black suit and clutching a book.
Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault by almost 100 women. The initial allegations against him were made in 2017, when he was one of the most powerful figures in Hollywod, leading to the rise the global #MeToo movement.
Speaking on Wednesday, the 72-year old told Judge Curtis Farber that "I can't hold on...I'm begging for you to move the date... I want to be out of this hellhole." Originally scheduled for April 15, Weinstein requested that his retrial begin as early as April 7, warning that he "won’t be there" if he remains at Rikers.
Weinstein's retrial follows the 2024 overturning of his 2020 rape and sexual assault conviction after an appeals court ruled he was denied a fair trial. He also faces new sex crimes charges from three additional accusers. On Wednesday, Judge Farber denied a motion to dismiss those charges, further solidifying Weinstein’s legal battle.
Weinstein described life at Rikers as unbearable, claiming, "There are so many people suffering... I speak for all of them." Rikers Island has been plagued by violence and disorder, with New York City facing legal action over its conditions.
Weinstein was originally convicted in New York for third-degree rape and a criminal sex act, leading to a 23-year sentence. He was later convicted in California in 2022, receiving an additional 16 years.
Weinstein’s spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, expressed gratitude for the judge’s consideration and maintained confidence in a fair trial. "We firmly believe that Harvey will be fully exonerated," he said.
Weinstein remains at Rikers Island, where he has previously been treated for leukemia and other health issues.
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