Harvey Weinstein’s bail has been increased over monitoring issues
NEW YORK >> Harvey Weinstein’s bail was increased from $1 million to $5 million on Wednesday over allegations he violated his pretrial release conditions by mishandling or disabling his electronic ankle monitor dozens of times in recent months.
Judge James Burke warned the disgraced movie mogul that he’ll face jail if other issues crop up.
Weinstein, 67, leaned on a walker as he came and went from a New York City courthouse for the bail hearing, looking as frail and pained as he did at a court appearance last week.
Weinstein’s lawyer said he is having back surgery Thursday to relieve pain from an August car crash and that he will recover in time for the Jan. 6 start of his trial on rape and sexual assault charges.
“If you have any further medical issues, the court will not be terribly understanding,” Burke said, cautioning Weinstein against any last-minute surprises as the trial draws near.
Weinstein, sounding calm and respectful, indicated the surgery and new bail arrangement would help ensure his appearance at his trial.
“This ensures I am here Jan. 6,” Weinstein said. “This is a good thing for you.”
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to charges he raped a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and performed a forcible sex act on a different woman in 2006.
He had been free on $1 million bail and maintains that any sexual activity was consensual.
Weinstein’s lawyer, Donna Rotunno, said he is “looking forward” to the trial and that they plan an aggressive defense with vigorous cross-examination. She said those tactics shouldn’t be viewed as victim shaming.
“Just because someone makes a claim doesn’t make it true,” Rotunno said.
For the new bail, Burke offered three options under reforms to New York’s bail system that are set to take effect on Jan. 1.
Other than paying $5 million cash, Burke said Weinstein could meet his bail obligation by either putting up $2 million through a bail bondsman or using collateral to secure 10% — or $5 million — of a $50 million bond with collateral.