In The Know

Weinstein’s lawyer: He’s ‘in pretty good spirits,’ ‘energized’ about appeal amid hospitalization

Harvey Weinstein

Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer on Tuesday reportedly said the hospitalized movie mogul was feeling “energized” after being convicted of rape a day earlier. 

“He’s in pretty good spirits. He’s energized,” attorney Arthur Aidala told reporters, according to The Associated Press.

Aidala met with Weinstein in his hospital room, unhandcuffed, with jail officers standing outside, according to AP. 

Aidala said the hospitalization was “a precautionary measure to take him here and make sure his vitals and everything were OK.”

Weinstein was reportedly hospitalized for complaints of chest pain Monday. 

Weinstein is in a jail unit at Bellevue Hospital. He was reportedly taken there Monday night when he was supposed to be transferred to Rikers Island after he was found guilty on two of five counts in his New York sexual assault trial. 

Aidala said Weinstein maintains his innocence and was “somewhat flabbergasted by the verdict.” Weinstein is appealing the verdict. 

“There is a portion of him where he’s just scratching his head and he doesn’t know how this happened, but he’s cautiously optimistic,” Aidala said, according to AP. 

Weinstein faces up to four years in prison on the rape charge and between five and 25 years for the criminal sexual act charge. He was acquitted on more serious charges of predatory sexual assault and rape in the first degree, which could have resulted in a life sentence. 

Weinstein, who denies any wrongdoing, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11. 

He is also facing sexual misconduct charges in Los Angeles.