Even in exile, Harvey Weinstein maintains an upscale lifestyle. But his expenses are adding up
PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. - To visitors of this upscale Phoenix suburb, one of the main attractions is the Praying Monk, the natural rock formation in the shadow of Camelback Mountain that resembles a holy man kneeling in contemplative repose.
In recent months, however, another man has come to the area in search of his own isolation: Harvey Weinstein.
The disgraced movie mogul fled from his haunts in New York and Hollywood four months ago to this stretch of desert as he deals with accusations from more than 80 women who allege he sexually harassed or assaulted them. The once-highflying impresario faces multiple lawsuits and criminal investigations in Los Angeles, New York and London.
Weinstein is no longer part of the glamorous Hollywood inner circle but his exile is indisputably expensive, consisting of high-end hideaways, posh restaurants and even hypnotherapy sessions.
The Oscar-winning producer behind “Shakespeare in Love,” “Chicago” and “The King's Speech” has attended an Arizona addiction clinic where treatment can reach tens of thousands of dollars, according to experts.
Those are just some of the smaller bills. He has hired a battalion of attorneys to represent him against accusers as well as his own company, which fired him in October. He has been battling his ex-wife and current wife from whom he is separated over financial issues, including child support.
Weinstein has also hired the PR crisis management firm Sitrick and Co., whose services cost an estimated $50,000 a month at a minimum, according to a prominent figure in the crisis management industry.
The former Weinstein Co. co-chairman was unavailable for comment. A spokesperson at Sitrick also declined to comment, citing “privacy and safety reasons for our client and other individuals either still undergoing treatment or working at alleged facilities.”
Weinstein has repeatedly denied all accusations of nonconsensual sex as well as claims that he retaliated against women for refusing his advances. Weinstein expressed remorse for his past behavior, saying in a statement late last year: “I appreciate the way I've behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it.”
Since the scandal broke in October after an expose in the New York Times, Weinstein has resided at least temporarily at a luxury apartment complex in nearby Scottsdale, according to two people who work in the complex but weren't authorized to speak. The Optima Sonoran Village is a modern, multi-building facility with colorfully painted exteriors and balconies featuring hanging foliage.
The complex offers amenities including an indoor lap pool, a 24-hour gym with an indoor basketball court, spas and concierge service. Optima representatives didn't respond to a request for comment
Weinstein kept a low profile at the facility. He was occasionally seen buying almond cookies at Kaleidoscope Juice, a local health-food snack and beverage chain, on the Optima's lower level, according to an employee. She described him as cordial and respectful, though she hasn't seen him since late 2017.
People who work at the Optima said Weinstein had received hypnotherapy at the complex. Pattie Freeman, who runs the Arizona Hypnotist, which has an office in the Optima, said she could not discuss whether she treated Weinstein because of patient confidentiality. Freeman said she treats a range of issues, including anger management as well as addictions to alcohol, drugs and sex.
“It's a habit in your head and we correct that habit,” she said. Freeman, who also has offices in L.A., said she charges $150 per session, which typically lasts 90 minutes and can involve meditation and various forms of hypnosis.
“The subconscious mind takes over and corrects whatever in your lifestyle needs to be corrected or freed,” Freeman said.
A more expensive form of treatment can be found at the Meadows, an addiction center in Wickenburg, about an hour's drive northwest of Phoenix.
The rural town is famous for cattle roping and its “Gold Rush Days” - an annual rodeo event. The Meadows is popular among celebrities looking to dry out away from the public spotlight, and features a dedicated center for sex addiction called Gentle Path at the Meadows.
The facility's representatives declined to comment, but sources said Weinstein was treated there in recent months. Other clients reportedly include Kevin Spacey, who has been accused by multiple men of sexual misconduct.
“If he's in Arizona, he's probably been to the Meadows,” said A. W. Richard Sipe, the noted counselor and psychotherapist who has worked extensively in the field of sex addiction, including the Catholic Church abuse scandals. He said sex addiction therapy typically involves a combination of individual and group counseling, usually in a 30-day in-patient setting where clients are cut off from the outside world.
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