Harvey Weinstein requests to expedite sex assault trial amid health concerns

Harvery Weinstein during a Wednesday morning court session in Manhattan appealed to the judge to expedite his upcoming sex assault trial.

"I'm holding on because I want justice for myself, and I want this to be over with," stated Weinstein, 72, who addressed Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Curtis Farber from his wheelchair at the defence table.

For approximately five minutes, the Hollywood producer highlighted his ongoing health issues, including cancer and diabetes. In response, Judge Farber rescheduled the trial to begin on April 15, one week earlier than initially planned.

Additionally, Weinstein requested the judge to postpone another trial, expressing his urgent desire to leave Rikers Island, which he referred to as a "hellhole". "I won't be there for April," he said. "I'm a serious emergency situation. I am begging the court to move your date," Weinstein continued.

His recent medical history includes several hospitalisations for various serious conditions, including emergency cardiac surgery, diabetes, spinal stenosis and a recent cancer diagnosis.

In 2020, Weinstein received a 23-year prison sentence in New York after being found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape. However, this conviction was reversed on appeal last April. He remains incarcerated due to a 2022 Los Angeles rape conviction. Weinstein has maintained his innocence against all charges.