Harvey Weinstein diagnosed with cancer as he battles host of health issues

Grand jury in New York, NY indicts Harvey Weinstein on additional sex crimes charges after earlier conviction overturned (Image: Getty)

Harvey Weinstein, the once-powerful Hollywood producer now disgraced, is reportedly grappling with a grave illness amidst facing fresh charges. NBC News sources have disclosed that Harvey has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.

This development emerges in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, which was sparked by sexual misconduct allegations against him. Insiders confided to NBC News that the beleaguered movie mogul is undergoing treatment at Rikers Island prison in New York.

The National Cancer Institute characterises his ailment as a "type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells."

Harvey's legal healthcare representative, Craig Rothfeld, remarked: "Out of respect for Mr. Weinstein's privacy, we will offer no further comment."

Now 72, Weinstein, who has also contended with COVID-19 and double pneumonia, awaits a retrial. His health struggles are unfolding alongside his continued legal wrangle with Manhattan prosecutors, who aim to amalgamate new charges with previous ones for trial, as reported by NBC News.

Disgraced US film producer Harvey Weinstein attends a court hearing at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on September 18, 2024. Weinstein is facing new charges, US media reported September 12, 2024, just days after he was rushed to hospital for emergency heart surgery. The new indictment of the 72-year-old Weinstein, who has been convicted of sex crimes in New York and California, was brought by a Manhattan grand jury, the New York Post and New York Times said. (Photo by JEENAH MOON / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JEENAH MOON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier this year, Harvey's 23-year sentence in New York was overturned while he was incarcerated. The appeals court underscored that the prior trial had been marred by issues, particularly the judge's decision to allow testimonies from women regarding uncharged allegations.

Nevertheless, Harvey was concurrently convicted for rape in Los Angeles in 2022, receiving a 16-year sentence. His legal team is already strategising to challenge this conviction, reports the Mirror US. 

Harvey's legal team, eager for an earlier court date, proposed a fast-tracked schedule if the grand jury proceedings are quick, as per their discussion with Judge Farber. "[Harvey] is anxious to go to trial and prove his innocence," declared one of his lawyers after the hearing, according to AP News, as reported by The Sun.

Harvey, appearing impassive and wheelchair-bound, showed no emotion as he entered the Manhattan courtroom where his retrial date was set. Harvey's health has been on the decline in recent months.

Last month, he was urgently taken to hospital for emergency heart surgery. The 72-year-old underwent open heart surgery at Bellevue Hospital in New York on Monday after his lawyer warned Rikers Island jail bosses that he would "die on your watch if you don't do something."

His prison consultant, Craig Rothfeld, confirmed he was in ICU and was suffering "pain from the procedure".

The film producer is "still dealing with several other serious health issues which need to be addressed", Rothfeld added.