Harvey Weinstein’s Lawyers Accuse Rikers Island of Neglect and Poor Medical Care
Legal Claim Filed Against New York City
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers have filed a legal claim against New York City, alleging that the former movie mogul is receiving substandard medical treatment in unhygienic conditions while in custody at the notorious Rikers Island jail complex.
Allegations of Neglect and Negligence
The notice of claim, which is the first step in filing a lawsuit, accuses the facility of failing to manage Weinstein’s medical conditions, including chronic myeloid leukemia and diabetes. The claim also alleges negligence ranging from "freezing" conditions to a lack of clean clothes.
Unhygienic Conditions
"Weinstein’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, compared the facility to a "gulag" in a statement, saying, "When I last visited him, I found him with blood spatter on his prison garb, possibly from IV’s, clothes that had not been washed for weeks, and he had not even been provided clean underwear – hardly sanitary conditions for someone with severe medical conditions."
Previous Hospitalizations
Weinstein, 72, has been in city custody since earlier this year, following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction. The case is set to be retried in 2025. Weinstein has denied any wrongdoing.
The film producer was briefly hospitalized in April and again in July for health problems. His team has said he’s been treated for diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, COVID-19, and fluid on his heart and lungs.
Return to Rikers Island
The legal claim, which seeks $5 million in damages, argues that Weinstein was returned to Rikers Island each time before he had fully recovered from his illnesses.
Background on Rikers Island
Rikers Island jail is slated to be closed in 2027, but the city has pushed back deadlines to do so. The facility has a reputation for being overcrowded and inhumane, with allegations of mistreatment and neglect.
Conclusion
Weinstein’s lawyers are seeking $5 million in damages, claiming that the facility is failing to provide adequate medical care and is neglecting his basic human rights.
FAQs
Q: What is the nature of the legal claim filed by Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers?
A: The legal claim is a notice of claim, which is the first step in filing a lawsuit, and alleges that the Rikers Island facility is providing substandard medical treatment and neglecting Weinstein’s medical conditions.
Q: What are the specific allegations made against Rikers Island?
A: The claim alleges that the facility is failing to manage Weinstein’s medical conditions, including chronic myeloid leukemia and diabetes, and is providing inadequate and unhygienic living conditions.
Q: What is the purpose of the $5 million damages sought in the claim?
A: The damages are sought to compensate Weinstein for the alleged neglect and poor medical care he has received while in custody at Rikers Island.
