NEW YORK—Former Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein tested positive for the COVID-19 novel virus on Sunday, March 22 while behind bars at the maximum-security Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo.
Weinstein, 68, is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence for rape and sexual assault. After testing positive, Weinstein was placed in isolation in prison, where he is one of two inmates confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus.
He was transferred into the prison system after his sentencing a week ago. He was convicted of raping an aspiring actress in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on a TV and film production assistant in 2006, among other pending sentencing in Los Angeles for additional sexual assault crimes. Weinstein is known for his Oscar-winning productions of many films including “Shakespeare in Love.”
The producer is said to have medical condition and will be evaluated to determine which state prison facility meets his security, medical, mental health and other needs.
Any extradition plans for Weinstein’s crimes in Los Angeles have been placed on hold due to the pandemic occurring currently.
