Why has Harvey Weinstein been extradited to Los Angeles?

Harvey Weinstein was transported from a New York state prison to Los Angeles on Tuesday, against his lawyers' request

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 06: Harvey Weinstein leaves New York City Criminal Court after a bail hearing on December 6, 2019 in New York City. The Oscar-winning producer appeared in court for a proceeding to evaluate his bail in part of reforms set to take effect Jan. 1 throughout New York State. (Photo by Scott Heins/Getty Images)
(Image credit: NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 06: Harvey Weinstein leaves New York City Criminal Court after a bail hearing on December 6, 2019 in New York City. The Oscar-winning producer appeared in court for a proceeding to evaluate his bail in part of reforms set to take effect Jan. 1 throughout New York State. (Photo by Scott Heins/Getty Images))

Harvey Weinstein has been extradited to Los Angeles, where he will face nearly a dozen additional sexual assault charges. 

The disgraced Hollywood director is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence in New York after being convicted of rape and a criminal sex act in February 2020. 

He will now stand trial in LA, where he is expected to contest charges that he allegedly attacked five women in Southern California between 2004 and 2013.  

"This morning at approximately 9.25 custody of Mr. Harvey Weinstein was handed over to the appropriate officials for transport to the state of California per a court order," the New York Department of Corrections said in a statement on 20 July.

Weinstein, 69, is being charged with 11 felony counts of sexual assault in California—including forcible rape and forcible oral copulation. If he is convicted, he could be sentenced to 140 years in prison. 


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NEW YORK, NY - JULY 09: Harvey Weinstein is escorted in handcuffs into State Supreme Court after on Monday for arraignment on charges alleging he committed a sex crime against a third woman on July 9, 2018 in New York City. The former movie producer was previously indicted on charges involving two women. Weinstein, 66, has been accused by dozens of other women of forcing them into sexual acts using both pressure and threats. Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual activity and is currently free after posting $1 million cash bail. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Harvey Weinstein is escorted in handcuffs into State Supreme Court after on Monday for arraignment on charges alleging he committed a sex crime against a third woman on July 9, 2018 in New York City. 

(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

According to his defense attorney, Mark Werksman, Weinstein was transported by plane to California on Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in a downtown LA courtroom on Wednesday. California state law states that his trial must begin within 120 days of his extradition, giving prosecutors four months to commence court proceedings. 

Weinstein's legal team strongly campaigned against their client's extradition, citing his declining health and planned eye surgeries. 

"We will be fighting so that Harvey can receive his needed medical care and of course, so that he can be treated fairly,” his spokesperson Juda Engelmayer said on Tuesday. “Due process, presumption of innocence, and a fair trial are all still his right.” 

Weinstein has denied the allegations. 

The former Hollywood mogul was first accused of sexual misconduct in 2017 after 80 women came forward to share their experiences of Weinstein with the media. Perhaps one of the most high-profile victims was actor Rose McGowan, who alleged that Weinstein raped her at a hotel in 1997. The onslaught of accusations gave rise to the #MeToo movement, which saw countless survivors of sexual harassment and assault speak out about their abuse. 

Weinstein was arrested in May 2018 and convicted in 2020. In January 2021, a court approved the payout of $17 million to Harvey Weinstein's victims after his media company was forced into liquidation.

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.