Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is back in the hospital and now plans to sue New York City over “ongoing medical negligence,” The Post has learned.
Weinstein, 72, who was diagnosed with cancer last month, plans to take legal action against NYC Health and Hospitals and Bellevue, arguing that the city’s refusal to provide him ongoing treatment at Bellevue will prevent him from attending his own trial, his camp said Friday.
The controversial producer is currently awaiting a second trial on sex-crime charges.
“We won’t discuss Mr. Weinstein’s medical specifics, but we are appalled by the ongoing medical negligence shown by NYC Health and Hospitals and Bellevue,” a representative for the former producer said in a statement.
“This isn’t the fault of Rikers, CHS, or the Bellevue doctors, whom Mr. Weinstein deeply respects. However, refusing to keep him at Bellevue during his trial is a severe oversight, jeopardizing his ability to attend to his own retrial. Mr. Weinstein has hired legal counsel to sue NYC Health and Hospitals and Bellevue, as he has the right to proper care while in custody. This treatment suggests a broader agenda for a more sinister outcome through lawfare and inadequate healthcare.”
Weinstein had reportedly been receiving treatment at Rikers.
Weinstein is believed to be suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia. It is unclear what his cancer prognosis is or how it will affect the legal proceedings against him.
Once one of the top producers in the movie biz, Weinstein fell from grace as the #MeToo movement gained ground around him and dozens of women came forward, accusing him of sexual assault.