In a life already marked by controversy and conviction, Harvey Weinstein appears to be facing yet another predicament: bone marrow cancer. The 72-year-old former film producer, now inmate, has allegedly been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.
Weinstein, who is currently serving a 23-year sentence at Rikers Island for rape and sexual assault (which was issued in 2020), has had his health condition confirmed by multiple sources, according to NBC News. Insiders have also relayed to the outlet that the Miramax co-founder is allegedly receiving treatment behind bars. (According to the American Cancer Society, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is “a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and invades the blood.” The organization says approximately “15% of leukemias in adults are CML.”)
Former film producer Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Criminal Court on July 19, 2024 in New York City. Prosecutors are preparing to retry the former movie mogul following the reversal of his 2020 rape conviction. Fast forward to September, Weinstein faces a new challenge — cancer.
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A rep for Weinstein initially denied the diagnosis when contacted by The Post, but later condemned the fact that Weinstein’s “confidential health matters” have been discussed so publicly.
“Craig Rothfeld, Mr. Weinstein’s authorized legal healthcare representative in New York State, expresses profound dismay at the speculation surrounding Mr. Weinstein’s medical condition,” the rep said in a statement to People on Monday, October 21. “It is both troubling and unacceptable that such private and confidential health matters have become a subject of public discourse. Out of respect for Mr. Weinstein’s privacy, we will offer no further comment.”
Weinstein’s supposed cancer diagnosis adds to a growing list of health issues for Weinstein, including an emergency heart surgery he underwent in September and a hospitalization in July for severe complications from COVID-19 and double pneumonia.
Once a towering figure in Hollywood, Weinstein’s fall from grace began with the rise of the #MeToo movement, as more than 80 women accused him of sexual assault and misconduct in 2017. Among the accusers was actress Rose McGowan, who alleged that in 1997 Weinstein assaulted her in a hotel room under the guise of a business meeting.
The allegations, which span decades, culminated in Weinstein’s 2020 conviction for third-degree rape and a first-degree criminal sexual act. “I will say that although this is a first conviction, it is not a first offense,” Justice James Burke said at the time.
According to Variety, the next trial was tentatively set for November, but it now appears it will take place in early 2025.
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