Harvey Weinstein health: Why did the ex-movie mogul use a zimmer frame during his trial and has he got coronavirus?

Reports that Weinstein, 68, has been placed in isolation at Wende Correctional Facility were confirmed by Michael Powers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.

Previously, the movie mogul required help walking into New York's Supreme Court, where he was convicted of third degree rape and a first degree criminal sex act on February 24.

He was then sentenced to 23 years in prison on March 11 for sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi and raping Jessica Mann, a onetime aspiring actress.

Following the sentencing, Weinstein spent time at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan for heart problems, according to his spokesman, Juda Engelmayer. He also has other medical issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

Harvey Weinstein appears at court
AFP via Getty Images

How did the disgraced movie mogul catch coronavirus?

Mr Powers said he learned that the test came back positive on Sunday morning and is concerned about the corrections officers, who he said lack proper protective equipment.

He added that several staff have been quarantined.

A lawyer for Weinstein said on Sunday night that his legal team had not been notified of the coronavirus diagnosis. "Given Mr. Weinstein's state of health, we are of course concerned, if this is the case, and we are vigilantly monitoring the situation," said lawyer Imran Ansari, who is based in New York.

The Niagara Gazette, a local newspaper in upstate New York, reported that Weinstein had tested positive for the highly contagious virus earlier Sunday, citing anonymous officials.

According to reports a state official said two prisoners at the Wende Facility have confirmed cases of COVID-19. The official said he could not comment on any individual prisoner's medical record.

The official added that with each confirmed case, the Department of Corrections works with the Department of Health to identify potentially exposed people.

Why did Harvey Weinstein use a Zimmer frame during his trial?

Weinstein underwent a three-hour back operation in mid-December for laminectomy - also known as decompression surgery.

The procedure involves removing the back part of the bone called the lamina over the spinal column.

It is performed to relieve pinched nerves in the spinal column, which often causes back and leg pain.

The surgery was scheduled after the 67-year-old began experiencing pain and difficulty walking as a result of what he claims was a car accident in August.

Harvey Weinstein arrives in court in December
REUTERS

He appeared in court on December 11, the day before his surgery, looking frail and using a walker which prompted questions about his health.

The week before, he had also hobbled into court for a bail hearing looking distinctly frail and unsteady on his feet, propped up by two security guards.

His attorney Donna Rotunno also revealed at that time that he was suffering from Type 2 diabetes.

Throughout his trial and weeks after his surgery, the disgraced movie mogul continued to use a Zimmer frame as he recovered from the operation.

Towards the end of January the defendant started using a Drive Nitro walker, which costs around £170 on Amazon.

Weinstein was warned by a judge not to let his health get in the way of the trial.

Weinstein with his new walker
REUTERS

What was the criticism of his frail appearance during his trial?

When Weinstein first appeared at court looking unwell, hundreds speculated that it might have been an act to incite sympathy.

His lawyers said they were "dismayed" by the suggestion, adding that the media had "incorrectly stated" it as such.

"Mr Weinstein was in a serious car accident in August, which resulted in a concussion and has now necessitated the need for back surgery later this week", Ms Rotunno said.

"He has been using a walker to assist him as the back pain has increased. He wanted to leave the walker in the car, so it did not appear that was he looking for sympathy, as he is not.

Harvey Weinstein appears at court in December
Getty Images

"The press surrounding his physical condition is mean spirited and false."

However, he faced another onslaught of criticism when he appeared with a Zimmer subsequently.

When asked outside the courtroom how his back felt, Weinstein responded with a thin smile and a so-so gesture with his hand.

Across the street from the court, actresses and other women who allege they were sexually harassed or assaulted by Weinstein said he was undeserving of anyone’s pity.

“He looked cowardly. He wouldn’t look at us. He wouldn’t make eye contact,” said Sarah Ann Masse, a performer and writer who alleged Weinstein once sexually harassed her during a job interview.

“This trial is a cultural reckoning regardless of its legal outcome,” she said.

Why was Harvey Weinstein on trial?

Harvey Weinstein looks to have been using the frame while in the court rooms
REUTERS

Weinstein was facing allegations that he raped one woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and performed a forcible sex act on a different woman in 2006.

While more than 80 women have made claims of sexual harassment or assault against the movie mogul, these two were at the centre of his criminal trail in New York.

But there are still ongoing criminal investigations into further complaints against him in London, New York and Los Angeles.

His trial started at the New York Supreme Court on Monday January 6, where he pleaded not guilty to the five charges against him.

The 67-year-old was convicted of third degree rape and a first degree criminal sex act on February 24. He faces up to 25 years in prison and will be sentenced on March 11.

He was acquitted on the most serious charge - predatory sexual assault - which carried a potential life sentence. He was also cleared on first degree rape.

Weinstein accuser Rose McGowan speaks outside New York's Supreme Court 
AFP via Getty Images

On January 6, 2020, the Los Angeles County District Attorney announced further criminal charges against Harvey Weinstein as he was facing his trail in relation to the separate allegations in New York.

In LA, he is accused of allegedly raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013.

Weinstein is charged with one felony count each of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by use of force and sexual battery by restraint.

He has pleaded not guilty and has always maintained that any sexual activity was consensual.

It has been more than two years since allegations first came to widespread public attention and catalysed the #MeToo movement.

The first allegations were brought to light by The New York Times and The New Yorker in October 2017.

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