Has Harvey Weinstein Been Monkeying with His Court-Ordered Ankle Monitor?

By: David Carlson

Maybe his ankles itch.

Harvey Weinstein finds himself under fire once again, this time for allegedly monkeying with his court-ordered ankle monitor.

Potential cost: a $5 million bail, up from $1 million.

Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon reportedly asked for the increase after the beleaguered film producer seemingly disappeared for several hours by, authorities charge, disabling his tracking device. According to reports, there have been 56 violations reported thus far.

“Here’s a man who has (run) multi-million dollar businesses, and has juggled many, many issues at the same time,” Illuzzi-Orbon said at the hearing, as reported by the New York Daily News. “It defies logic to believe that he cannot navigate taking his device with him when he travels outside his home. The people’s position is none of the bracelet violations were accidental or in any way forgetful on the part of the defendant.”

“If approved, Weinstein’s other stay-out-of-jail option would be a $50 million bond secured by a 10% down payment. Manhattan Criminal Court Judge James Burke adjourned the case to this coming Wednesday without ruling on the bail issue,” the Daily News added.

Defense lawyer Donna Rotunno said the issues with the tracker were not intentional. Instead, she pointed to “technical glitches.”

“It has nothing to do with any manipulation of the bracelet,” Rotunno told the press. “The minute he realized he forgot it, he made a phone call.”

“Asked about the health of her 67-year-old client, who was walking with a limp, his tie loosened and one shoe untied, the lawyer responded: “This is tough on anybody. … He has some back issues that we’re hoping to address this week,” according to The Associated Press.

“A judge put off any decision about whether Weinstein should face stricter bail conditions over the alleged violations until next week,” AP reported. “The Oscar-winning producer was in court for one of many proceedings that courts across the state are scheduling to apprise defendants of reforms to New York’s bail system that are set to take effect Jan. 1. State lawmakers passed a law this year eliminating cash bail for most nonviolent crimes. For poorer defendants facing lesser charges, these appearances could mean release from jail come the new year — or refunds for those who have posted bail.”

Weinstein reportedly has more serious problems, like physical pain. “Weinstein struggled to walk out of a New York City courtroom Friday after his bail hearing, needing assistance to make it down some steps and into his waiting SUV,” reported tmz.com. “Weinstein’s defense attorney, Donna Rotunno, tells TMZ … Harvey’s having health issues, including a back problem that’s only getting worse. We’re told Weinstein’s seeing a doctor for treatment on his back, and he’s in A LOT of pain.”