Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has reportedly been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, according to people who know his medical condition. The diagnosis adds to Weinstein’s ongoing health struggles while he serves out a long prison sentence following a raft of convictions for sexual assault and rape.
What is Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?
CML is a rare type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow and blood and causes an excessive number of white blood cells. Usually, it is treatable, but it requires many patients to take lifelong medication and see their doctor regularly. If left untreated, CML can progress to more aggressive stages of the disease.
Weinstein is now serving time and reportedly receiving treatment for the illness inside the prison. Precisely how that could affect the rest of his prison sentence is not known, but a mitigating factor is medical care inside the prisons.
Weinstein’s Legal and Health Issues
We are being told Weinstein’s health is failing. The 71-year-old ex-film mogul has chronic problems with heart problems, diabetes, and unbearable back pains. His lawyers have invoked his failing health as a reason for their appeals to the courts, asking for assessments of his health and moves.
Currently, Weinstein is serving a 23-year sentence in New York following his conviction in 2020 on charges of rape and sexual assault. In Los Angeles, he was also convicted on more charges of sexual assault in 2022 and received an additional 16-year sentence.
Legal Implications
That may have some bearing on Weinstein’s legal battles. His lawyers may seek a compassionate release based on the leukemia diagnosis, but such a motion is unlikely to succeed due to the seriousness of his convictions. In approving medical releases, courts usually balance medical needs against the seriousness of the offense.
Public Reaction
News of Weinstein’s diagnosis has been polarizing, with some empathetic over his medical condition and others focusing on the suffering of his victims and how he has finally been brought to justice through his imprisonment.
Weinstein’s representatives would not comment on the diagnosis. His lawyers would not comment on how this might affect future court proceedings or efforts at appeal.
