Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein argued his current health issues and “fall from grace” are sufficient punishments for raping and sexually assaulting women.
After being found guilty of first-degree sexual assault and third-degree rape in February, Weinstein’s lawyers filed a letter on Tuesday ahead of the former producer’s Wednesday sentencing, arguing that he be shown mercy with a five-year sentence.
“He has lost his means to earn a living. Simply put, his fall from grace has been historic, perhaps unmatched in the age of social media,” they argued, adding that he “cannot walk outside without being heckled.”
Weinstein’s attorneys further argued that a stricter punishment, which prosecutors are reportedly pursuing, would effectively be a life sentence, forbidding the 67-year-old from having any freedom in the future as he faces up to 29 years behind bars.
“The grave reality is that Mr. Weinstein may not even outlive that term,” they said, arguing against a “de facto life sentence.”
The convicted rapist’s health has been a subject of conversation after he used a walker during his widely covered trial in New York. Although some accused him of faking frailty to garner sympathy, his lawyers argued that Weinstein was “in a serious car accident” as the trial was ongoing.
“He has been using a walker to assist him as the back pain has increased,” one of his lawyers said in December 2019.
Following his conviction, Weinstein had heart surgery and was given a stent, according to his publicist. And while awaiting his sentencing, he suffered a fall at Rikers Island jail and is now being kept in the prison’s infirmary unit.
“Harvey says his head throbs all the time and thinks he has a concussion. He has not been officially diagnosed,” Weinstein spokesman Juda Engelmayer said.
