Former film producer Harvey Weinstein is taking legal action against the City of New York and its Department of Corrections, alleging "medical negligence" during his time at Rikers Island, where he is currently awaiting a retrial on sex crimes charges. Weinstein's attorney, Imran H. Ansari, claims that his client's basic medical needs are not being met, a situation he describes as deplorable. According to Ansari's statement provided to 1010 WINS, "Most significantly, the system has failed him in providing him the most basic medical care. But he needs more than basic care, he needs the intensive medical treatment that one would be afforded in any civilized society—prisoner or not."
The lawsuit follows the 72-year-old's health complications, which have included emergency surgery to remove fluid from his heart, and diagnoses of various serious medical conditions such as chronic myeloid leukemia and diabetes. Despite his fragile health, Weinstein's legal team argues that he is yet to be provided with critical medication and adequate treatment. As per the statements of Ansari to ABC7NY, the conditions Weinstein faces are so dire that they could be compared to a gulag, questioning whether this treatment aligns with what is mandated by the constitution.
During a visit, Ansari alleges to have found Weinstein dressed in blood-spattered prison garb that hadn't been washed for weeks, adding that clean underwear wasn't provided either. In the negligence claim reviewed by 1010 WINS, it's stated that Weinstein's white blood cell count and thyroid conditions were mismanaged and that he contracted pneumonia and COVID-19, amid other health issues, leading to life-threatening conditions and delays in cancer treatment.
The claim seeks monetary damages not less than $5 million, as Weinstein's lawyers plead that the lack of treatment "amounts to cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment." "The disregard to Mr. Weinstein's medical needs is an example as to why Rikers Island has been under the intense scrutiny by officials and the public," Ansari told 1010 WINS.
The New York City Department of Correction did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegations. The lawsuit brings to the forefront the continuing debates about the treatment of inmates, especially those with serious health conditions, within the prison system.
