Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood producer, pleaded with a New York court to move up his retrial for sex crimes, citing his poor health and the harsh conditions at Rikers Island jail, which he described as a "hellhole." During a hearing in Manhattan on Wednesday, Judge Curtis Farber set the trial date for April 15, but Weinstein, 72, argued he might not survive that long due to his deteriorating health.
Weinstein, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, told the judge he is battling multiple health issues, including cancer, diabetes, and heart problems. He emphasised that every day at Rikers is a struggle, calling the facility "medieval" and claiming he was recently given the wrong medication. "I can't hold on anymore. I want justice for myself and this to be over with," he said.
Attorney Arthur Aidala addresses the media following Harvey Weinstein’s court appearance on October 23, 2024, in New York CityGetty Images
Weinstein’s lawyers have repeatedly criticised the medical care he receives at Rikers, describing it as substandard and unhygienic. They urged the court to prioritise his case, citing his declining health. Judge Farber expressed sympathy but explained that his schedule is packed, including a murder trial in March. However, he agreed to consider moving Weinstein’s trial up by a week.
Weinstein’s 2020 conviction for rape and sexual assault was overturned last year by New York’s highest court, which ruled that the trial was unfair because testimony from women not involved in the case was allowed. He now faces a retrial on charges of raping an aspiring actor in 2013 and sexually assaulting a production assistant in 2006. Additionally, a new charge alleges he assaulted another woman in 2006.
Weinstein’s legal team argued that the new charge was added unfairly to strengthen the prosecution’s case. Prosecutors, however, defended their decision, stating the allegation required careful investigation.
Once a powerful figure in Hollywood, Weinstein co-founded Miramax and The Weinstein Company, producing acclaimed films like Pulp Fiction. His downfall in 2017 sparked the #MeToo movement as numerous women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.
Weinstein remains in custody due to a separate 16-year prison sentence for rape in California. His lawyers are appealing that conviction, claiming he did not receive a fair trial. As he awaits retrial in New York, Weinstein continues to fight for his freedom while battling serious health challenges.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.