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.
Breaking News: (TUNE IN AT 10pm eastern TONIGHT to ON THE RECORD/FNC…We will have the latest …there is so much more to this! )
As you know, Rita Cosby was a colleague of mine here at FNC (she worked in NYC and I worked in DC.) A couple years ago she changed networks becoming an anchor at MS/NBC. Now that I have done the disclosures about Rita and Fox, now the news…and let me add one other thing: if I were Rita Cosby, I would be very, very, very worried. Here is the news:
Federal Judge Denny Chin has just issued an order in the Howard K. Stern v. Rita Cosby and Hachette Book Group (her publisher.) The order could be devastating to Rita. You will learn all about it tonight ON THE RECORD at 10pm, but in the mean time, check out just a small portion of what the Federal Judge has to say:
“…but I am sufficiently concerned about what I have heard on the recordings [note - the reference is to the recordings we played on ON THE RECORD of Rita Cosby and which Stern’s lawyers obviously gave the Federal Judge] – Cosby seemingly attempting to tamper with witnesses…..”
It is the reference to tampering with witnesses which is alarming. Yes, Howard K. Stern’s suit against Rita and her publisher is a civil one (just about money), but the criminal defense attorney in me has my antenna up. While this is not evidence in a criminal court (merely one judge’s statement,) and Rita has not been charged with any crime, I think Rita could be in BIG trouble. Rita’s lawyers say the Judge only has part of the story….and that could make a giant difference….but we await hearing Rita’s side.
I don’t follow Art Harris...is he reliable? I guess we need to do a little research on Judge D. J. Chin, and find out if he has any ties to California! I hope Rita’s lawyer is right and that we’ll find out more as this unfolds. I hope this blows up in HKS’ and Wood’s faces. I get so tired of seeing evil people triumph over good. I know they won’t get by with it forever, but it sure would be nice to see justice served more often! I’d be willing to bet the tapes Lincoln Bain produced were doctored, and he’s on HKS’ payroll! At one time, he bashed HKS, and now he’s bashing someone who is willing to expose the evil HKS. It doesn’t make sense...unless you’re able to follow the money!
oh i am just loving expedited discovery, which works both ways - put up howie!! let’s get this going Before the bahama inquest gets under way!!! yes! yes! yes!