Disgraced former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein underwent emergency heart surgery on Sept. 9, after being rushed from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital due to multiple health complications.

Weinstein, 72, has been awaiting a retrial on rape charges following the overturning of his 2020 conviction earlier this year, and his emergency heart procedure now throws the matter into a state of possible limbo, as Fox News reports.

The former entertainment industry mogul, who has been housed at Rikers Island since April 2024, was transferred to Bellevue Hospital on the evening of Sept. 8 after experiencing what his representatives described as “several medical complications.” His emergency surgery on Sept. 9 marked the latest in a series of health crises the former movie mogul has faced while incarcerated.

Weinstein's Health Woes Continue Amid Legal Battle

Weinstein's legal battles have been ongoing since his initial conviction in February 2020. At that time, he was found guilty of forcing oral sex on former production assistant Mimi Haley in 2006 and of third-degree rape of actress Jessica Mann in 2013.

However, his conviction was overturned on April 25, when a New York appeals court ruled 4-3 that the original trial judge had allowed improper witness testimony that unfairly prejudiced the jury.

In addition to his legal issues, Weinstein has suffered from several health problems. He has been battling diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, and heart and lung issues, according to his authorized representatives, Craig Rothfeld and Juda Engelmayer. The same representatives stated that Weinstein is treated daily for these conditions.

Recent Hospitalizations Add to Weinstein's Health Struggles

In July 2024, Weinstein was hospitalized after contracting double pneumonia and COVID-19. This was yet another major health setback for Weinstein, whose condition has reportedly been deteriorating since his initial conviction and sentencing. His legal team has cited his numerous health issues in their defense arguments, requesting accommodations for his care while incarcerated.

“Weinstein is being treated for the myriad of health conditions that he is still afflicted with on a daily basis,” said Rothfeld. His health conditions include fluid buildup around his heart and lungs, which required the emergency heart surgery performed on Sept. 9.

Appeals Court Overturns 2020 Conviction

Weinstein’s legal saga took a dramatic turn in April 2024 when a New York appeals court overturned his 2020 conviction. The court found that the inclusion of testimony from women who had not accused Weinstein of crimes related to the charges on trial had improperly swayed the jury’s decision. This development cleared the way for Weinstein’s retrial, tentatively scheduled to begin on November 12, 2024.

The former producer, who has consistently denied all accusations of non-consensual sex, now faces the possibility of a new trial later this year. He was originally convicted of two charges in 2020 while being acquitted of first-degree rape and two counts of predatory sexual assault. Those charges stemmed from allegations made by actress Annabella Sciorra about incidents from the 1990s.

Health Issues Could Complicate Upcoming Retrial

Weinstein’s ongoing health challenges have raised concerns about his ability to stand trial. With his retrial scheduled for November, his defense team may seek further delays or request medical accommodations given his frail condition. At 72 years old, Weinstein’s numerous hospitalizations and medical complications have added new layers of complexity to his already protracted legal battle.

Rothfeld and Engelmayer have repeatedly emphasized the severity of Weinstein’s health problems. “We are grateful to the executive team at the New York City Department of Correction and Rikers Island for acting swiftly in taking him to Bellevue Hospital,” they said after his most recent hospitalization.

Legal Battles Expand Beyond New York

Weinstein's legal troubles extend beyond New York. After his 2020 sentencing, Weinstein was extradited to California in July 2021 to face additional sexual assault charges. These allegations, made by four women in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, span from 2004 to 2013. Weinstein has denied these allegations as well.

Despite his declining health, Weinstein remains embroiled in both New York and California legal proceedings. His retrial in New York, originally set for late 2024, will be a key moment in determining his future, both legally and physically.

Weinstein’s Representatives Focus on His Health

Weinstein’s representatives have reiterated the toll that these legal proceedings and his imprisonment have taken on his health. “As we have extensively stated before, Mr. Weinstein suffers a plethora of significant health issues that need ongoing treatment,” Rothfeld and Engelmayer said in a joint statement. They pointed to his emergency surgery as the latest in a string of medical incidents requiring urgent care.

The latest heart issues, coupled with other longstanding health problems, have made his stay at Rikers Island especially challenging. His legal team continues to highlight these difficulties as his retrial approaches.

Future Uncertain as Weinstein Faces More Health Complications

With his retrial looming and his health continuing to deteriorate, Weinstein’s future remains uncertain. His defense team may request further delays or special accommodations based on his medical condition, though it remains unclear how the courts will handle these requests.

Weinstein’s representatives remain hopeful that he will receive the care he needs as he continues to battle both legal and health challenges. His retrial is expected to begin in November 2024, barring any further medical emergencies.