Harvey Weinstein, the former film producer serving a 23-year prison sentence, has reportedly been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The 72-year-old inmate is currently at Rikers Island, where he is receiving treatment for his condition, according to multiple sources cited by NBC News.
Weinstein’s health issues have been a topic of discussion following his conviction in 2020 for rape and sexual assault. CML, a cancer that begins in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, accounts for about 15% of adult leukemias, according to the American Cancer Society.
Initially, a representative for Weinstein denied the diagnosis when approached by The Post. However, the spokesperson later expressed concern about the public discussion of Weinstein’s “confidential health matters.”
“Craig Rothfeld, Mr. Weinstein’s authorized legal healthcare representative in New York State, expresses profound dismay at the speculation surrounding Mr. Weinstein’s medical condition,” the representative stated in a release to People on October 21. “It is troubling and unacceptable that such private health matters have become a subject of public discourse. Out of respect for Mr. Weinstein’s privacy, we will offer no further comment.”
Weinstein’s diagnosis adds to his existing health problems, which include emergency heart surgery in September and a hospitalization in July due to severe complications from COVID-19 and double pneumonia.
Once a prominent figure in Hollywood, Weinstein’s downfall began with the #MeToo movement in 2017, when over 80 women accused him of sexual assault and misconduct. Among the accusers was actress Rose McGowan, who claimed Weinstein assaulted her in 1997 during a meeting disguised as a business discussion.
In 2020, Weinstein was convicted of third-degree rape and a first-degree criminal sexual act. Justice James Burke noted at the time, “Although this is a first conviction, it is not a first offense.”
According to Variety, Weinstein’s next trial was tentatively scheduled for November but is now expected to take place in early 2025.
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