Ailing Harvey Weinstein begs for earlier retrial after judge sets April date

Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul, made a plea to a judge on Wednesday to expedite his retrial on sex crimes due to his deteriorating health conditions. Weinstein, who is currently battling cancer, heart issues, and diabetes, expressed his desperation to have the trial over with as soon as possible during a hearing in state court in Manhattan.

Weinstein, 72, arrived at court in a wheelchair, more than a half-hour after the scheduled start time. Despite his frail appearance, he sounded assertive and determined as he implored Judge Curtis Farber to move up the date of his retrial. He expressed his struggles at Rikers Island jail complex, where he is currently being held, and emphasized that he wants justice for himself.

The former studio boss, who is still serving a 16-year sentence for a rape conviction, highlighted the urgency of his situation, citing instances where he struggled to breathe and had to be hospitalized for treatment. He questioned the judge about his trial calendar and pleaded for an earlier start date to escape the harsh conditions at the jail.

Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, also emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing his declining health and ongoing battle with cancer. Aidala had previously requested for Weinstein’s trial to take precedence over another trial he was representing in, involving conservative strategist Steve Bannon.

The retrial involves charges of forcibly performing oral sex on a production assistant in 2006 and raping an aspiring actor in 2013. An additional charge, filed in September, alleges Weinstein forced oral sex on a different woman in 2006. The Manhattan district attorney’s office had pursued the additional charge after Weinstein’s conviction was overturned, following a ruling by New York’s highest court.

Weinstein’s lawyers have argued that the timing of the additional charge was prejudicial, suggesting that prosecutors intentionally withheld the allegation to use it against him later. Prosecutors, however, defended their decision, stating that the case required a sensitive investigation and serious contemplation before seeking an indictment.

The retrial of Harvey Weinstein remains a highly anticipated and contentious legal battle, drawing attention to the #MeToo movement and issues of sexual assault and abuse of power in the entertainment industry. As Weinstein continues to fight for his freedom and health, the outcome of the retrial will have far-reaching implications for both the accusers and the accused in cases of sexual misconduct.