Harvey Weinstein indicted again, New York prosecutors say
NEW YORK -- A grand jury has indicted Harvey Weinstein, prosecutors said in a New York court Thursday.
Prosecutors said the indictment will remain under seal until the disgraced Hollywood movie mogul can appear to be arraigned. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala said all he knows about the new charges is that it could include up to three additional allegations dating to 2005.
Weinstein wasn't in court Thursday because on Monday the 72-year-old was rushed from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital for emergency surgery to remove fluid on his heart and lungs. Aidala told the judge Weinstein "almost died" prior to the procedure.
Weinstein is awaiting retrial on rape and sexual assault charges in New York City after the state's highest appeals court overturned his 2020 conviction. The judge set a trial date for Nov. 12, although the defense pushed back on that date.
"Ethically we cannot be ready by Nov. 12 trial," Aidala said. "We are requesting going to trial on the original case, and if [there are] others then that's a new case, do them separately. He's not well. I know lawyers are known for exaggerating -- we can't exaggerate a heart condition."
The judge ruled Weinstein will remain at Bellevue for treatment for now. A hearing on Weinstein's health is scheduled for Sept. 18.
Weinstein's conviction overturned
Weinstein's 2020 conviction was thrown out this spring after the state's top court ruled the judge in the original trial unfairly allowed testimony about other allegations that were not a part of the case.
Weinstein was found guilty of sexually assaulting an assistant in 2006 and raping an aspiring actor in 2013. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
After the New York case is complete, Weinstein is expected to return to California to serve his pending 16-year sentence for a separate rape conviction.
