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Attorney Donna Rotunno said in a statement
Weinstein, 67, was involved in a car crash several months ago
and that his frail appearance at a court hearing in New York
last week was due to back pain.
"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," Rotunno said in the statement.
Weinstein was helped into court for a pre-trial hearing in New
York on Friday by two assistants and was seen hobbling and
having difficulty walking. Some media and social media
commentators claimed he was playing for sympathy.
The once powerful movie mogul has been accused by more than 80
women of sexual misconduct and is due to stand trial on Jan 5.
on charges of rape and assault involving two of them. He has
pleaded not guilty and has said that any sexual encounters were
consensual.
Rotunno called media reports focusing on Weinstein's physical
condition "mean spirited and false."
“I was dismayed to see all the press coverage incorrectly
stating that Mr. Weinstein was trying to garner sympathy at his
court appearance last week. He has been using a walker to assist
him as the back pain has increased. He wanted to leave the
walker in the car," Rotunno added.
Prosecutors at Friday's hearing said Weinstein had failed to
wear an electronic transmitter that works in tandem with an
ankle bracelet on numerous occasions. They also asked for bail
to be increased to $5 million from $1 million.
The judge in the case has scheduled another hearing on the issue
for Wednesday.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Tom Brown)
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