Harvey Weinstein has urgently requested a New York judge to expedite the retrial of his significant #MeToo case, citing his declining health and expressing, “I don’t know how much longer I can hold on.” Weinstein, who suffers from chronic myeloid leukemia, diabetes, and heart issues, conveyed to the judge that he is struggling with the harsh conditions at Rikers Island jail complex. “Every day I’m at Rikers Island, it’s a mystery to me how I’m still walking,” he stated in Manhattan court. “I’m holding on because I want justice for myself and I want this to be over with.”
The 72-year-old is set for a retrial after his 2020 conviction for rape and sexual assault involving two women was overturned by New York’s highest court in April of last year. He has consistently claimed that any sexual encounters were consensual.
During a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Curtis Farber announced that the retrial is scheduled to commence on April 15. However, Weinstein requested that it be rescheduled to an earlier date, swapping with another unrelated case set for March.
Weinstein arrived at court in a wheelchair, over half an hour late, and complained about receiving incorrect medication and delays in transportation from jail officers. “I’m asking and begging you, your honor,” he pleaded, describing his situation as a “serious emergency” and expressing a desire to “get out of this hellhole as quickly as possible.” He mentioned experiencing episodes of gasping for air and anticipated needing hospital treatment again soon, having been hospitalized in December due to concerning blood test results.
Weinstein’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, also urged for an expedited retrial, emphasizing the urgency due to his client’s health, stating that he is “dying of cancer and is an innocent man right now in the state of New York.” Judge Farber indicated he would consider starting the trial a few days earlier if possible, noting that the schedule was determined after discussions with both Weinstein’s legal team and prosecutors.
Additionally, the judge made a significant ruling regarding the retrial, maintaining a separate charge based on an allegation from a woman not involved in the original case. Weinstein’s lawyers had sought to dismiss this charge, arguing it was introduced to strengthen the prosecution’s case with a third accuser, but their request was denied.