Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), a rare form of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow.
Story Summary:
- Harvey Weinstein has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, receiving treatment behind bars at Rikers Island.
- This diagnosis comes amidst a series of health issues, including heart surgery and pneumonia.
- His condition and access to quality healthcare in prison raise concerns.
Harvey Weinstein diagnosed with a rare cancer
Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed to NBC News that Weinstein is undergoing treatment for the disease while serving time at Rikers Island, where he’s currently incarcerated.
His legal representative, Craig Rothfeld, declined to provide further details on his condition, citing privacy concerns.
This diagnosis comes after a string of health complications. Weinstein, 72, recently underwent emergency heart surgery and was hospitalized earlier this year due to double pneumonia and COVID-19.
His health issues have been an ongoing concern throughout his incarceration, casting doubt on how well he will be able to manage this new diagnosis.
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a rare cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
It occurs when the bone marrow produces an abnormal number of white blood cells that don’t function properly.
This type of leukaemia progresses slowly and is often linked to a specific genetic mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome, which promotes the overproduction of dysfunctional white blood cells.
With modern treatment options, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), many people with CML can manage the condition effectively, achieving long-term remission.
However, given Weinstein’s incarceration, there are concerns about whether he will have timely access to the medical care he needs.
Rikers Island has faced criticism in the past for its healthcare system.
In addition to his health battles, Weinstein’s legal situation took a dramatic turn when New York’s Court of Appeals overturned his 2020 rape conviction.
The court found that the trial judge made an error by allowing testimony about Weinstein’s prior conduct, which was unrelated to the charges for which he was being tried.
The court ruled that this swayed the jury into focusing on his character rather than the specific crimes in question, granting Weinstein a new trial.
Despite the overturning of his New York conviction, Weinstein remains incarcerated due to a separate rape conviction in California, where he was sentenced last year.
