Harvey Weinstein underwent heart surgery on Monday after experiencing health problems, leading to his transfer from a New York City jail to a hospital, as confirmed by his representative.
Weinstein, whose 2020 rape conviction was overturned in April, was reported to be recovering in the intensive care unit at Bellevue Hospital on Monday night, according to his representative, Craig Rothfeld.
At 72 years old, Weinstein was in pain following the procedure and is facing additional serious health challenges, Rothfeld noted, while assuring that Weinstein is not in critical condition. He was moved from Rikers Island jail to the hospital after expressing discomfort and significant weight gain attributed to medication.
On Monday morning, he underwent pericardiocentesis surgery to remove considerable fluid accumulation from his lungs and heart.
In July, Weinstein was hospitalized due to multiple health issues, during which he tested positive for Covid-19 and double pneumonia. Rothfeld had previously stated that Weinstein was being treated for ongoing health concerns, including diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, and fluid retention around his heart and lungs.
Weinstein was convicted of sex offenses in both New York and Los Angeles, receiving a 16-year sentence in the latter case and a 23-year sentence in New York. However, his New York conviction was overturned by a state appellate court due to judicial errors related to witness testimonies.
Currently, a New York grand jury is evaluating the possibility of new charges against the former Hollywood executive. Weinstein continues to assert that any sexual interactions he engaged in were consensual. Over 80 women have accused the Oscar-winning producer of sexual assault or harassment.