Harvey Weinstein Avoids Jail After Being Hospitalized For 'Heart Palpitations'

After being found guilty of third-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual acts by a New York jury, disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein has managed to evade jail for now because he was taken to a hospital in Manhattan after the trial’s verdict.

According to Page Six, the 67-year-old producer was taken to Manhattan’s Bellevue Hospital Center after complaining of chest pains and heart palpitations, as per his representative. The representative also noted that the visit to the hospital was just a “precautionary measure” before he could be taken to jail.

But it seems that the producer is doing anything he can to save himself from serving time. The publication revealed that Weinstein seemed to be faking his ailments a little bit, so that he could get some time to stay away from jail. However, he has been seen walking with the help of a walker since the trial began in January.

The media outlet also noted that Weinstein might remain in the hospital until the date of the sentencing, which is March 11.

In a historic judgment on Monday morning, the jury, consisting of seven men and five women, reached their verdict after five days of deliberation. Weinstein, 67, was found guilty of third-degree rape against former actress Jessica Mann and first-degree criminal sexual act against his former assistant Mimi Haley.

He now faces jail time in a New York state prison. New York State Supreme Court Justice James Burke ordered Weinstein to be jailed until his March 11 sentencing. Weinstein faces between five and 25 years in prison for the sex acts conviction and up to four years for rape.

The defense team of Weinstein will challenge the verdict. A lot of celebrities expressed their gratitude toward the justice system for finally taking the predatory producer into custody.

Michelle Simpson Tuegel, the lawyer representing the women who accused Weinstein of sexual assault, praised the courageous women for the fight they put. She also explained that the verdict will tell the world that it does not matter how “powerful” you are, the justice system will put you behind bars if you are proven guilty.

“No matter how powerful a person is, no matter how much mud or dirt may be flung at those who have the courage to come forward, we are in a new time,” Simpson Tuegel said.

Weinstein is also facing sex crime charges in Los Angeles for which he has yet to submit a plea. These charges stem from rape and assault accusations that allegedly occurred in 2013. He faces up to 28 years in prison.