Harvey Weinstein Pleads for Earlier Trial Date Due to Health Concerns
Harvey Weinstein has requested an earlier trial date due to health concerns while incarcerated. He faces charges of sexual assault and alleges medical negligence in jail.
Harvey Weinstein appeared in court on Wednesday, requesting a sooner trial than initially planned. He expressed uncertainty about his survival while incarcerated in what he described as the "hell hole" of the New York City jail complex, Rikers Island.
"Every day I'm at Rikers Island it's a mystery to me how I'm still walking," Weinstein, seated in a wheelchair, told the judge. He added, "I'm asking and begging you, your honor, I can't hold on anymore. I'm holding on because I want justice for myself and I want this to be over with."
Currently scheduled for trial on April 15, Judge Curtis Farber explained that he could not accommodate Weinstein's request due to his commitments to preside over a murder trial. Nevertheless, Weinstein continued to implore the court to expedite the trial process.
"I beg you to switch your case and do so out of clemency," he said. Weinstein argued that the jail conditions were exacerbating his medical issues, calling them "a medieval situation."
Having been diagnosed with cancer and having undergone emergency heart surgery in September, Weinstein is also suing New York City and its Department of Correction for alleged "medical negligence."
"I'm begging the court to move your date so we can have that date instead and proceed with this trial as quickly as we can and get out of this hell hole," he urged.
Weinstein requested to begin the trial even earlier, proposing an April 7 start date, emphasizing that "every week counts."
Ultimately, Judge Farber stated he would consider the request and mentioned, "If the lawyers report to me they can do it sooner then I'll make myself available."
On a related note, Farber denied Weinstein's attempt to dismiss a new sexual assault charge from 2006, asserting that the grand jury’s decision was sufficient based on their findings.
Weinstein is set to face trial for this new charge alongside two other sexual assault charges, as his previous conviction was overturned on appeal.
