Harvey Weinstein, 72, is rushed to hospital for emergency heart surgery

Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been rushed to hospital for heart surgery.

The 71-year-old was taken to Bellevue Hospital from Rikers Island in New York City on Monday.

The convicted rapist reported chest pains before being rushed to hospital, ABC News reported.

This comes as Weinstein is due to appear in court later this week, where prosecutors will present evidence to a grand jury in an effort to secure a new sex crimes indictment.

This is a developing story.