Harvey Weinstein has urgently asked a New York judge to move up the date of his retrial, claiming that his poor health is making it increasingly difficult for him to endure life in jail. The former Hollywood mogul, who was convicted in 2020 for sexual assault, is set to be retried after his conviction was overturned by an appeals court in 2024. Weinstein is also facing additional charges of sexual crimes.
Appearing in court on Wednesday, Weinstein, 72, was wheeled into the courtroom in a wheelchair, dressed in a black suit and holding a book. The disgraced film producer, who has been plagued by health problems, made a desperate plea to Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Curtis Farber.
"I can't hold on," Weinstein told the judge. "I'm begging for you to move the date... I want to be out of this hellhole."
Weinstein's conviction was overturned in 2024 after the New York Court of Appeals ruled that he had not received a fair trial. The court determined that the testimony of women not involved in the charges against him had been allowed, which was deemed improper. Weinstein's retrial was scheduled for April 15, 2025, but he is seeking an earlier date, even asking for it to be set for April 7.
"Every day on Rikers Island, it's a mystery to me how I'm still walking," Weinstein said. "I want this to be over with. Every day is a struggle. Every day is a struggle in my heart."
Weinstein's health issues have worsened in recent months. He was diagnosed with leukemia and briefly transferred to Bellevue Hospital's prison wing before being moved back to Rikers Island, where he is currently being held. Weinstein’s complaints about the conditions at Rikers come amid his ongoing legal battles.
In addition to his New York conviction, Weinstein was indicted in September 2024 on new sex crime charges from three different victims in New York City. His earlier conviction in California, where he was sentenced to 16 years for rape in 2022, remains in place.
In 2020, Weinstein was found guilty of third-degree rape and criminal sexual act charges related to incidents in 2006 and 2013. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison and began serving his sentence at the Wende Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Despite his numerous legal challenges, Weinstein is adamant about the need to move forward with the retrial as soon as possible.
As Weinstein’s legal team continues to push for a quicker retrial, the former producer’s plea reflects the increasing pressure he faces as his legal and health troubles continue to unfold.
