Harvey Weinstein back in hospital for 'chest pains' after 23-year sentence
Harvey Weinstein was transferred to New York’s Bellevue Hospital for chest pains Wednesday, hours after a judge sentenced the disgraced producer to 23 years in prison.
"He was having chest pains and the Rikers [Island jail] staff decided for safety to send him back to Bellevue now," Weinstein's spokesperson told Yahoo Entertainment. "He will be evaluated and likely will stay overnight. We appreciate the care and concern of the Department of Corrections officers and staff."
Weinstein’s rep confirmed earlier to Yahoo the former movie mogul was headed back to Rikers after sentencing. Weinstein was expected to stay there for seven to 10 days before being sent to Fishkill Correctional Facility, a multi-security level prison in New York, "where they will determine where he serves his sentence."
After his Feb. 24 conviction, Weinstein was rushed to Bellevue Hospital after complaining of chest pains. He remained there for 10 days. The 67-year-old had a heart procedure to remove a blockage one week ago. Once he was deemed to be in sufficient health, he was transferred to Rikers.
Weinstein's attorneys have said they intend to appeal; however, legal experts spoke to Yahoo and said the defense faces an uphill battle.
"Weinstein’s about to turn 68 and short of getting his convictions overturned, a sentence of any consequence makes this a virtual death sentence, as his defense lawyers said," Silva Megerditchian, a Los Angeles-based criminal defense lawyer and CEO of SLM Legal, told Yahoo Entertainment. "His attorneys will have a tough time getting the sentence reduced. Appealing the convictions themselves may be a better alternative. But let’s not forget, Weinstein still faces rape charges in Los Angeles. Defense counsel’s biggest fear is that Weinstein will die in custody."
The Pulp Fiction producer was found guilty of rape and sexual assault in New York, but has been charged with sex crimes across the country. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has begun the process of extraditing Weinstein to California to face the sexual assault charges that were filed in January. An arraignment date has yet to be set.
Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
Harvey Weinstein's 23-year punishment is 'a virtual death sentence': Legal expert
Courtroom artist describes the scene at Harvey Weinstein’s sentencing: 'He looked bad'
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