Judge dismisses Harvey Weinstein's plea seeking delay in sexual assault case

A federal judge in Manhattan on Tuesday rejected Harvey Weinstein’s request to delay a deposition in a civil lawsuit by women who accused the imprisoned movie producer of sexual abuse and workplace harassment.

Weinstein, 68, had argued that his poor health made giving a deposition “practically impossible,” and put him at “severe risk” of self-incrimination because of pending criminal charges in Los Angeles.

US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, however, said Weinstein did not provide medical support for his health claims, and that it was unclear when Weinstein’s constitutional right against self-incrimination might no longer be a concern.

“In balance, plaintiffs have suffered injuries from defendant’s conduct, which occurred many years ago, and they are entitled to vindicate their rights efficiently,” Hellerstein wrote. “I find that a stay is unnecessary. Whether Weinstein invokes the Fifth Amendment or not is his choice.”

Imran Ansari, a lawyer for Weinstein, said in an email that Weinstein’s poor health “frustrates” his ability to defend himself, and invoking the Fifth Amendment because of the criminal case could hurt Weinstein’s defense in the civil case.

Weinstein’s lawyers said on November 19 that their client suffered from diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, anemia, hypertension and other ailments, though he had not contracted COVID-19. - Reuters