New York attorney Tina Glandian, best known recently for representing Empire actor Jussie Smollett, walked into New York Supreme Court on Tuesday right behind accused rapist and sexual predator Harvey Weinstein.
Law&Crime Network cameras caught Glandian in the hallway right after Weinstein’s arrival. Her law firm, Geragos & Geragos, did not respond Tuesday to multiple phone calls from the Law&Crime Network seeking answers as to whether or not Glandian was representing Weinstein or, more broadly, what her involvement with the case may–or may not–be. Publicly available online court records still list New York attorney Arthur Aidala as Weinstein’s attorney.
Aidala entered court before any of the other litigators. His only comment to gathered reporters was this: “Full speed ahead.” After Aidala entered the building, the prosecution team entered, led by Joan Illuzzi. Harvey Weinstein followed later. When asked by reporters whether he would testify in his own defense, Weinstein’s only response was a non sequitur “good morning.” Weinstein’s other defense attorneys, Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis, entered significantly later and just before the case began.
#HarveyWeinstein defense attorney @ArthurAidala entering court this morning, says the trial is “full speed ahead” @LawCrimeNetwork @ABKLawNYC pic.twitter.com/Vj2oA2nBhZ
— Jennifer Tintner (@JenniferTintner) February 4, 2020
The arrival by Glandian resulted in the following discussion on Law&Crime’s Daily Debrief.
Our @LawCrimeNetwork cameras caught Jussie Smollett's attorney Tina Glandian entering court right behind #HarveyWeinstein today. Her law firm hasn't returned calls asking if she's involved w/ his defense. I discuss with attorneys @KenneyBaden and Adam Konta. @JenniferTintner pic.twitter.com/h4IIy1CT3F
— Aaron Keller (@AKellerLawCrime) February 4, 2020
In summary: It is unclear what role, if any, Glandian may be playing in the Weinstein case, but the timing of her presence raises many questions.
Weinstein’s scampered–perhaps rancorous–search for counsel has been well-documented.
Law&Crime’s Jesse Weber, himself an attorney, has been reporting from inside and outside of the courtroom.
#HarveyWeinstein put his face in his hands when Jessica Mann described a particular sexual encounter with him….let’s just say it involves a mirror
— Jesse Weber (@jessecordweber) February 4, 2020
#HarveyWeinstein tense exchanges between Donna Rotunno and HW accuser Jessica Mann especially when grilled on mental health issues, JM says to DR: “Are you my psychiatrist?”
— Jesse Weber (@jessecordweber) February 4, 2020
#HarveyWeinstein – Jesse Weber reports from the courthouse on the continuing cross-examination of accuser Jessica Mann. @jessecordweber @LawCrimeNetwork pic.twitter.com/B4ml1t2539
— Law & Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) February 4, 2020
[Image via Law&Crime Network]