Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers claimed Tuesday his hobbled courtroom appearance wasn’t just an act — and said he’s actually about to have back surgery.
“I was dismayed to see all the press coverage falsely stating that Mr. Weinstein was trying to garner sympathy at his court appearance last week,” said the disgraced producer’s lead attorney Donna Rotunno. “Mr. Weinstein was in a serious car accident in August, which resulted in a concussion and has now necessitated the need for back surgery later this week. He has been using a walker to assist him as the pain has increased.”
Weinstein, 67, who had been spotted partying around Manhattan over the last month, walked with a pronounced limp as he entered Manhattan Supreme Court on Friday propped up by two men for a bail hearing. The fallen film mogul, who suffers from diabetes and other health issues, looked ashen and unsteady on his feet.
“Prior to the hearing that morning, he was adamant about leaving his walker in the car, not to appear that he was looking for sympathy; as he is not,” Rotunno said. “We thought having the two people walking alongside him would avoid the very mean spirited and false press coverage of his physical condition.”
The lawyer was referring to an Aug. 17 accident near his home in Westchester, exclusively reported by The Post.
Weinstein had crashed his 2017 Jeep into a tree after swerving to avoid a deer, sources said.
He’s due back in court Wednesday morning to find out whether his $1 million bail will be hiked after prosecutors said he violated the terms of his release by failing to properly maintain his ankle monitor’s connection.
Weinstein is slated to go on trial Jan. 6 and faces up to life in prison on five counts of predatory sexual assault, criminal sex act and rape involving allegations from three women.