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Bald Truth Exclusive: Stern Libel Suit Win! Federal Judge Grants Expedited Discovery; Says He’s Troubled By Rita Cosby Actions
By Art Harris, (c) www.artharris.com all rights reserved
In a world wide web exclusive, The Bald Truth has learned a New York federal judge Tuesday granted Howard K. Stern’s request for expedited discovery in his $60 million libel suit against author Rita Cosby, who wrote he engaged in a gay tryst on tape with Larry Birklhead.
In his motion, obtained first by artharris.com and reported exclusively by ETonline, U.S. District Judge D. J. Chin says he ruled for Anna Nicole Smith’s executor after reviewing “substantial” and “troubling” evidence Cosby tried to “improperly influence witnesses,” when she flew to the Bahamas and offered to pay two nannies for an affidavit to support charges in her bestseller, Blonde Ambition, that Stern and Larry Birkhead had engaged in gay sex on a tape watched by the late Playboy centerfold. Both have denied they are gay and ever had sex.
“Because Stern has presented substantial—indeed , troubling—evidence that Cosby has sought to improperly influence witnesses, the application is granted,” writes Judge Chin.
In the dramatic 20-page motion, the judge says he’s reviewed transcripts of audiotapes secretly made of Cosby offering the nannies’ lawyer money for an affidavit, and interviews with representatives for the nannies who appeared on Larry King Live, Greta Van Sustern’s Fox talk show and other information.
Ex-MSNBCer Rita Cosby has denied any wrongdoing, and stands by her book. In motions to the court, her attorney, Elizabeth McNamara says a different picture will emerge when all the facts are presented.
In effect, Judge Chin’s motion orders that depositions be taken as fast as possible to preserve evidence and prevent any possible witness tampering by either party.
“Stern’s application for expedited discovery is granted to the extent that expedited discovery is hereby allowed on the issue of whether Cosby attempted to interfere withy potential witnesses and the extent and nature of those alleged efforts,” writes Judge Chin.