Harvey Weinstein 'diagnosed with rare cancer' as he battles serious illness

The disgraced Hollywood bigwig Harvey Weinstein is reportedly fighting a serious health battle as he faces additional charges. NBC News sources have revealed that Weinstein has been diagnosed with the rare chronic myeloid leukaemia, amid his entanglement with the #MeToo movement which began with sexual misconduct accusations against him.

He's currently getting treated at Rikers Island prison in New York, insiders divulged to NBC News. The National Cancer Institute defines his ailment as a "type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells".

Craig Rothfeld, who represents Weinstein for legal healthcare matters, commented: "Out of respect for Mr. Weinstein's privacy, we will offer no further comment."

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The 72 year old Weinstein, dealing with COVID-19 and double pneumonia previously, is anticipating a retrial. This comes as his health concerns unfold during his legal wrangles, with Manhattan prosecutors aiming to lump new charges with older ones for the trial, reports Mirror US.

Earlier this year, Weinstein saw his 23-year sentence in New York overturned while serving it. The appeal court cited issues within the previous trial, especially the judge allowing testimonies regarding uncharged accusations, reports the Mirror.

Weinstein also received a 16-year sentence in Los Angeles in 2022 for rape conviction which ran concurrently. Weinstein's defence team is on the move to challenge this conviction too.

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 chat with Judge Farber. "[Harvey] is anxious to go to trial and prove his innocence," one of his lawyers declared after the hearing, according to AP News, as reported by The Sun.

Harvey, appearing emotionless and wheelchair-bound, showed no reaction as he entered the Manhattan courtroom where his retrial date was discussed. His health has been on the decline in recent months.

Last month, he was hurriedly taken to hospital for emergency heart surgery. The 72 year old had open heart surgery at Bellevue Hospital in New York on Monday after his lawyer cautioned Rikers Island jail chiefs 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.

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