Harvey Weinstein diagnosed with cancer amid legal battle

Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood mogul currently serving time for sexual assault and rape, has been reportedly diagnosed with cancer. Initially, Weinstein's representatives denied the claims, labeling them as baseless.

Later, they criticized what they perceived as unfounded speculation regarding his health, refusing to confirm the diagnosis. The 72-year-old learned of his condition earlier this month, as revealed by The New York Post.

"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.

"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."

Accused of sexual misconduct

Weinstein, once a dominant figure in the film industry, saw his career implode in 2017 when numerous women accused him of sexual misconduct, leading to a public reckoning and sparking the #MeToo movement.

Actress Rose McGowan was one of the first to come forward, alleging that in 1997, Weinstein had lured her to a hotel room in Park City, Utah, under the pretense of a business meeting, where he then assaulted her.

McGowan's bravery encouraged many others to share their own harrowing experiences, with accusations against Weinstein dating back to the 1990s.

Many of the women said they were afraid to speak out sooner, fearing the producer would use his industry power to damage their careers.

In 2020, Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison after being convicted of third-degree rape and a first-degree criminal sexual act.

The charges were based on testimonies from two women: Jessica Mann, who said he raped her in 2013, and Miriam "Mimi" Haleyi, who testified that he forcibly performed oral sex on her in 2006.

At his sentencing, Weinstein addressed the court and made controversial remarks about the #MeToo movement, which did little to sway the judge's decision or public opinion.

April 2024, a New York court overturned his conviction in a tight 4-3 vote, setting the stage for a potential retrial. Additionally, he was handed a separate 16-year sentence in Los Angeles in 2022, following his conviction on three more sexual assault charges, ensuring that his prison term would extend well beyond the original ruling.