Harvey Weinstein's Legal Battle Over Rikers Island Conditions

Harvey Weinstein, a disgraced producer awaiting trial, is suing New York City for a whopping $5 million. Why? He claims the conditions at Rikers Island Jail are terrible. His lawyers argue that the jail's staff didn't give him proper medical care or basic hygiene. They say Weinstein's health got worse because of this. Coincidentally, a federal judge just found New York City in contempt for not handling Rikers' violence and brutality better. The city hasn't responded to Weinstein's lawsuit yet. Weinstein's legal team paints a grim picture. They say he was found with blood on his clothes, unwashed garments, and no clean underwear. They question if Rikers is more like a harsh labor camp than a jail. Weinstein has been in and out of hospitals, even before moving to Rikers from another prison. His lawyers blame Rikers for his deteriorating health. The lawsuit comes as a federal judge slams New York City for not fixing Rikers' problems. The judge might bring back federal oversight. The city has a plan to close Rikers by 2027, but that seems unlikely. Weinstein's lawsuit is just one more issue for the troubled jail.