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Donald Trump's historic criminal trial involves a series of celebrities after four days of testimony by the former publisher of a supermarket tabloid of National investigator.
David Pecker became the first witness to take the stand this week in the former president's New York hush money trial, revealing that a so-called “catch-and-kill” scheme is at the heart of the case.
Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment in 2006 to keep adult film star Stormy Daniels quiet after she claimed she had a sexual relationship with Trump. He has been charged with the crime. Trump denies having an affair with her. He committed wrongdoing, pleaded not guilty to all charges, and always claimed he was the victim of a “witch hunt.”
While on the stand, Pecker testified about an alleged plot to buy negative talk about Trump and cover it up ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Among the stories Mr. Pecker testified about his involvement in the killings were false claims originating from a former Trump Tower doorman that Mr. Trump had a child with a maid who worked in the building; There was also talk about a months-long affair.with ex playboy Model Karen McDougall.
The tabloid mogul also named a number of other celebrities, revealing their involvement in the alleged scheme to protect Trump's reputation and offering a glimpse into the practice of so-called “checkbook journalism.” None of the celebrities named have been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the case.
Let's take a look at the celebrities who have appeared in trial testimony so far.
arnold schwarzenegger
Legendary bodybuilder, movie star, Trump's successor as NBC host celebrity apprentice, Pecker's name was withheld during his April 25 testimony.
Mr. Pecker said the publisher had an agreement similar to what Mr. Schwarzenegger later allegedly reached with Mr. Trump when he was running for governor of California.
“As I plan to run for governor, I ask that you refrain from publishing any negative articles about me now or in the future. I will continue to serve as the magazine's editor.” muscle and fitness and flex [magazines] And be a spokesperson,'' Pecker recalled Schwarzenegger telling him at the time.
He continued: “The agreement I had with Arnold was that I would call him and advise him of any stories that were out there. And I would end up acquiring them for a period of time and purchasing them. I did.”
After Schwarzenegger was elected governor in 2003, a woman's story was obtained by police. Questioner's parent company, American Media Inc., responded to her accusations as follows: Los Angeles Timespublished it.
“I was very embarrassed,” Pecker testified. “Most of the media approached Arnold when he was governor. And his comment was, 'Ask my friend David Pecker.'” The ensuing ordeal led him to say, “I've become more sensitive about what articles I'll buy in the future. So I've become more sensitive about this subject.”
tiger woods
Under cross-examination by Trump's lawyer Emile Bove, Pecker also testified that in 2007 he purchased a photo of golf superstar Tiger Woods meeting a woman in a Florida parking lot.
He said he then used the photo to persuade Woods to appear on the cover of his title. men's fitness.
mark wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg's name also came up during Pecker's testimony.
The publisher testified that he had purchased an article about the altercation between him and him. deceased A star and his wife that were never published.
independent person Representatives for Schwarzenegger, Woods and Wahlberg have been contacted for comment.
