What is chronic myeloid leukemia? Harvey Weinstein reportedly diagnosed with bone marrow cancer

Disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein is reportedly diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. According to an article by NBC News published on Monday, October 21, 2024, two sources revealed the development, adding that Weinstein was undergoing treatment in prison for the same.

According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic myeloid leukemia (also called chronic myelogenous leukemia and chronic granulocytic leukemia) is an uncommon type of cancer of the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside the bones where blood cells are made.

The disease tends to progress slowly and predominantly affects older adults, especially men. Additionally, it often doesn't cause symptoms. However, if they occur, symptoms include bone pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss without trying, loss of appetite, pain or fullness below the ribs on the left side, and excessive sweating while asleep.

For the unversed, Harvey Weinstein's alleged misconduct in 2020 sparked the #metoo movement. At the time he was convicted of third-degree r*pe of a woman and first-degree criminal s*x act against another and sentenced to 23 years in prison. However, earlier this year, the ruling was overturned by New York's Court of Appeals.

---

Harvey Weinstein underwent emergency heart surgery last month

In a statement made to Variety, Harvey Weinstein's spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, remarked:

“Craig Rothfeld, Mr. Weinstein’s authorized legal healthcare representative in New York State, expresses profound dismay at the speculation surrounding Mr. Weinstein’s medical condition. It is both troubling and unacceptable that such private and confidential health matters have become a subject of public discourse. Out of respect for Mr. Weinstein’s privacy, we will offer no further comment.”

The movie executive's health issues have made headlines recently. Last month, he was rushed for emergency heart surgery after he complained of health issues, including weight gain due to medication. Per Craig Rothfeld (his healthcare rep), Weinstein underwent pericardiocentesis surgery to remove fluid built up in his lungs and heart.

In July, Rothfeld explained Harvey was taken to the Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward for "myriad of health conditions," which included testing positive for Covid-19 and contracting double pneumonia in his lungs.

At the time, Rothfeld told NBC News that Harvey Weinstein was being treated for "conditions that he is still afflicted with on a daily basis, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal stenosis, fluid on his heart and lungs, and various other conditions."

The movie producer's health issues come as the New York state appellate court overturned his 23-year sentence after finding that the trial erred by allowing additional testimonies about allegations that were not a part of the case.

The Court of Appeals ordered a retrial, which was rumored to begin in November, but new reports suggest it is moved to sometime in 2025. The exact date remains unconfirmed.

However, he remained in prison due to a separate r*pe conviction in Los Angeles (convicted in December 2022 and sentenced to 16 years in February 2023). The legal team representing Harvey Weinstein, who has maintained his innocence, is looking to overturn the Los Angeles verdict.