With the trial looming, the lawyers of Tom Girardi, the estranged husband of Erika Jayne, are covering their bases. They want potential jurors to disclose the extent of their exposure to the “Bravoverse.” This includes watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, especially if they are fans of the series.
Per Bloomberg Law, the team want to vet the jurors to determine if their views of Tom will be skewed.
An obvious bias
Erika and Tom’s relationship has been prominently displayed throughout the seasons of RHOBH. So has his subsequent downfall and legal troubles. Additionally, the show has viewership in the millions. The prominence of his famous reality TV star ex-wife could greatly affect public perception. She has millions of social media followers.
Tom’s legal defense feels the Bravo show encourages viewers to form parasocial relationships with the subjects of their reality shows. They also worry that this will color the juror’s perceptions.
Because of this, Tom’s attorneys are advocating that all potential jurors answer a specific questionnaire before appearing for jury selection. This method was also used in another lawyer fraud trial in 2021. It was determined this is the most fair course of action.
The prosecution, on the other hand, indicated that they opposed the motion.
This motion gives everyone a glimpse at how the defense strategy is going to play out. And how they will attempt to contain the role that media will inevitably play in the case. While Tom once tried to solicit media attention for this benefit, they know it’s potentially damaging now.
Tom was indicted in Illinois and California. He is facing wire fraud charges for allegedly embezzling millions from clients of his now-bankrupt LA law firm, Girardi Keese. He and the other defendants have pled not guilty. The trial is set for August 6, 2024.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THIS IS A WISE MOVE BY THE DEFENSE? SHOULD BRAVO FANS BE EXCLUDED FROM THE JURY PANEL?
