Harvey Weinstein will face a retrial on rape charges in New York on April 15, despite his pleas to the judge on Wednesday to move the proceedings up.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the 72-year-old Weinstein, who is diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, told Judge Curtis J. Farber he might not make it to April due to his health issues and conditions in jail, multiple news outlets reported.
“I’m asking and begging your honor to move your trial,” Weinstein reportedly said. “I can’t hold on anymore. I’m holding on because I want justice for myself.”
Jefferson Siegel /The New York Times via AP
Weinstein was initially sentenced in 2020 to 23 years in prison after he was convicted on charges of rape and criminal sex acts. However, the charges were overturned in April 2024 following an appeals court finding the trial judge improperly allowed women to testify about allegations that were not part of the case.
Outside of New York, Weinstein was also convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 and sentenced to 16 years in prison on charges of rape and sexual assault.
Weinstein was then in September indicted by a New York grand jury on one count of criminal sex act, which his attorney reportedly argued to dismiss on Wednesday. The judge denied that motion.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Weinstein also criticized the conditions at Rikers Island, where he is currently being held, calling it a “medieval situation,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I’m in a serious emergency situation,” Weinstein said, according to the Hollywood Reporter. “I need to get out of this hellhole as quickly as possible.”
A spokesperson for Weinstein told NBC News that they believe he will be “fully exonerated” when the new trial is held.
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“Judge Farber demonstrated exceptional responsiveness,” the spokesperson said, “and we deeply appreciate his thoughtful consideration of Harvey’s condition and circumstances.”
Need help? Visit RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website.
