Harvey Weinstein’s Lawyers Claim ‘Torture’ at Rikers Island, Fear for His Life

Harvey Weinstein’s legal team is raising alarms over his treatment at Rikers Island, claiming that the notorious New York prison’s conditions are worsening his health. Weinstein, 72, is battling chronic myeloid leukemia, and his lawyers fear that his mistreatment at the facility could lead to his death. According to his legal team, he has been left in unsanitary conditions, wearing blood-spattered clothes, and has gone without clean underwear for weeks. His lawyers also allege that he is being denied essential cancer treatment and basic medical care.

Weinstein, who was convicted of rape and sexual assault, was transferred to Bellevue Hospital on December 2 after an alarming blood test revealed dangerously low white blood cell levels. His attorneys have filed a lawsuit against New York City, claiming negligence and seeking $5 million in damages. Imran H. Ansari, one of Weinstein’s lawyers, described a recent visit where Weinstein appeared unkempt and in obvious distress, adding that the conditions were akin to those found in a "medieval dungeon."

The legal team has repeatedly pushed for Weinstein’s full-time care at Bellevue Hospital, citing his list of medical issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and severe dental pain. They argue that the conditions at Rikers, coupled with his weakened state, increase his risk of severe complications, especially with his leukemia left untreated.

In response, a spokesperson for New York City’s mayor’s office insisted that the public hospital system works with the Department of Correction to provide health care for inmates, including those with complex medical needs. However, Weinstein’s lawyers suspect that he may be targeted for neglect due to his past as a Hollywood mogul. Ansari questioned whether Weinstein’s former celebrity status is influencing the level of care he’s receiving.

Weinstein’s situation highlights the broader issues at Rikers Island, a facility long criticized for overcrowding, violence, and inadequate medical care. The jail, which is slated to close by 2027, has been the site of numerous deaths and incidents of violence. In 2023 alone, nine people died in custody, and stabbings and assaults remain high.

Weinstein, who has pleaded not guilty to charges in a separate case, continues to fight for his innocence while facing these dire conditions. His legal team’s concerns about his health are compounded by the knowledge that Rikers Island has been described as a "house of horrors" by those who have witnessed its conditions firsthand. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who visited the facility in September, noted the stench of death and the overcrowded, filthy environment.

As Weinstein’s trial looms, his legal team is pushing for him to remain at Bellevue, where he has access to necessary medical care. However, they fear that if he is returned to Rikers Island, the impact on his health could be fatal.