Harvey Weinstein has given an interview from his hospital bed weeks ahead of his rape trial, claiming he pioneered women's roles in movies from 30 years ago.
Weinstein's interview hopes to convince onlookers that the apparent medical condition that caused him to undergo back surgery and use a walker are authentic and insist that he has done more for women professionally than he is being given credit for.
In an interview from his high-end hotel room-like hospital chamber at the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Centre, Weinstein told the New York Post that he feels like "the forgotten man".
"I made more movies directed by women and about women than any filmmaker, and I'm talking about 30 years ago. I'm not talking about now when it's vogue. I did it first! I pioneered it!" he said.
"It all got eviscerated because of what happened," Weinstein said. "My work has been forgotten."
Weinstein is referring to allegations from more than 90 women that he either sexually harassed or assaulted them, and separate accusations of rape from 14 women.
"This was a major operation," Weinstein said of the surgery, which was reportedly to remove three bone plates from his back that were compressing his vertebrae.
"I want this city to recognise who I was instead of what I've become."
Weinstein has denied all allegations against him and is set to go to trial on January 6, where he will face a court on five counts of predatory sexual assault, criminal sex acts, and rape.
On December 11, it was reported that Weinstein is close to a $US25 million ($A36 million) settlement that would take care of the majority of his civil cases, though four of the plaintiffs in the lawsuits are not participating.
Weinstein would not be personally responsible for any of the payouts, and would instead receive money from the insurers to cover his legal costs.
Australian Associated Press
