Weinstein in hospital as reaction to verdict pours in

Reuters Videos
Updated

Harvey Weinstein remained in New York City's Bellevue Hospital Tuesday, where he was taken after reportedly experiencing chest pains just moments after his guilty verdicts were read in his rape trial.

Weinstein attorney Arthur Aidala, fresh from visiting his client there Tuesday, described the former Hollywood powerbroker as "upbeat" and eager to appeal his conviction.

(SOUND BITE) (ENGLISH) WEINSTEIN ATTORNEY ARTHUR AIDALA, SAYING:

"I almost feel emboldened by Mr. Weinstein's spirits and his desire to continue to fight these charges."

Weinstein was found guilty of sexual assault in the first degree for forcing oral sex on former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and committing third degree rape against onetime aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013.

He was acquitted of three other charges, the most serious being predatory sexual assault, which could have put him in jail for life.

Weinstein still faces up to 29 years in prison - the bulk of which comes from the assault of Haleyi, who appeared on 'CBS This Morning' Tuesday.

[UPSOUND, REPORTER SAYING:]

"What did it mean to you to hear that verdict?"

(SOUND BITE) (ENGLISH) WEINSTEIN ACCUSER MIMI HALEYI, SAYING:

"It was just a huge relief, really. It was a huge relief that the jury got it. I felt just very grateful that I'd been heard and believed. I'm still processing it, but I think it was just a relief."

Others who have accused Weinstein of sexual assault or harassment - and their supporters - spoke out in the wake the verdicts, including actress Ashley Judd, who tweeted, "For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere, thank you."

After his conviction, the judge ordered Weinstein be taken away in handcuffs and imprisoned while awaiting his sentencing.

The walker he had used during the trial was seen being carried out of the courthouse by another man.​

The 67-year-old was on his way to the Rikers Island jail complex when he was instead admitted late Monday to a unit of Bellevue that provides medical care for inmates.

A spokesman said that Weinstein suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure.

Rikers Island has long been plagued by violence and neglect. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio vowed in 2017 to close it within a decade.

Jail officials could place Weinstein in a private or semi-private cell to help ensure his safety.

He is expected to be sentenced March 11.

He also faces a criminal sexual assault charges in Los Angeles, and dozens of other accusers have filed civil cases against him.