Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a rare type of bone marrow cancer, while serving his prison sentence at Rikers Island. The 72-year-old convicted rapist has been receiving treatment behind bars, as reported by NBC News.
Weinstein spent much of the summer hospitalized due to various health issues, including COVID-19, double pneumonia, and complications requiring fluid to be removed from his heart and lungs. Recently, he was rushed to Bellevue Hospital due to "severe medical conditions," prompting his lawyer, Arthur Aidala, to express concern for Weinstein's health, stating, "This guy is going to die on your watch if you don't do something."
Despite his ongoing legal troubles, Weinstein has consistently denied all allegations of rape and sexual assault. He remains in custody as he awaits a retrial in Manhattan, which is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 12, with a pretrial hearing set for this Thursday.
Weinstein has been frequently hospitalized since returning to Rikers Island from state prison in April, following an appeals court decision that overturned his 2020 convictions and ordered a new trial. His health has been a recurring issue, with reports of chest pains leading to pericardiocentesis surgery last September.
In addition to his recent diagnosis, Weinstein has a history of serious health problems, including diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension, among others.