Why is Harvey Weinstein using a zimmer frame? Movie producer’s latest health update
HARVEY Weinstein was seen shuffling into court clinging on to a zimmer frame during his rape and sexual assault trial
But why is the movie mogul using a frame. We take a look at his health.
Why is Harvey Weinstein using a zimmer frame?
The 67-year-old was seen hunched over, shuffling into court using a zimmer frame to face allegations of rape and sexual assault made by nearly 100 women.
He underwent a three-hour laminectomy - a back operation - in December 2019, this is the reason behind the walking aid.
The decompression surgery results in removing the back part of the bone called the lamina over the spinal column.
The procedure is to relieve pinched nerves in the spine, which can cause leg or back pain.
He was booked for surgery after he had difficulty walking as a result of a car accident in August 2019.
The disgraced producer was also assisted by two security guards as he limped into court early December for a bail hearing.
His attorney Donna Rotunno said he was suffering from Type 2 diabetes.
Hundreds have speculated that Weinstein was using his health issues to incite sympathy, something his lawyers said they were "dismayed" by.
"I was dismayed to see all the press coverage incorrectly stating that Mr Weinstein was trying to garner sympathy at his court appearance," Ms Rotunno said.
"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."
Why was Harvey Weinstein rushed to hospital after his guilty verdict?
Weinstein was found guilty of rape and sexual assault on February XX.
But after the guilty verdict he was rushed to hospital suffering from high blood pressure and heart palpitations.
The Oscar winner was later pictured leaving the New York court in an ambulance in what was described as a 'precautionary measure'.
His was taken to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, which has a unit that cares for prisoners.
Weinstein has an Academy Award for producing Shakespeare In Love and has several Tony awards for a string of plays and musicals such as The Producers and Billy Elliot The Musical.
He and his brother Bob were co-chairmen of The Weinstein Company after they left Miramax - although Harvey was sacked after the Me Too scandal.
In 2004, Weinstein was given an honorary CBE for his contributions to the British film industry.
He has been involved in campaigning against poverty and Aids and helps with research on diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Who is Harvey Weinstein's estranged wife Georgina Chapman?
English fashion designer and actress Georgina began dating Harvey in 2004 after he left his first wife.
He helped her found the Marchesa fashion label.Chapman announced she was leaving him in the wake of the harassment claims.
They married on December 15, 2007, and have a daughter and son together.
Weinstein has three other children from his first marriage to former assistant Eve Chilton.
Georgina split with Weinstein following the sexual allegations made against him.
She told People magazine she needs time away from the producer - and reports claim she is leaning on former political aide Huma Abedin, the wife of disgraced former US congressman Anthony Weiner, for support.
In a statement Georgia said: “My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions.
“I have chosen to leave my husband. Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time.”
What films has Harvey Weinstein produced?
Weinstein has produced a wealth of well-known films such as Shakespeare In Love, Gangs of New York and Pulp Fiction.
Meryl Streep once jokingly referred to him as ";God".
Some of his biggest hits include:
- Gangs Of New York (2002)
- Shakespeare In Love (1999)
- Django Unchained (2012)
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Sky Kids series (2001-2011)
- True Romance (1993)
- Emma (1996)
- The English Patient (1996)
- Scream (1996) and Scream 2 (1997)
- Good Will Hunting (1997)
- Chocolat (2000)
- Chicago (2002)
- Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2 (2003-2004)
- Cold Mountain (2003)
- The Aviator (2004)
- Sin City (2005)
- The Reader (2008)
- The King's Speech (2010)
- Paddington (2014)