During the hush money trial involving Donald Trump, the judge summoned his defense attorney to address Trump's disruptive behavior during Stormy Daniels' testimony.
Judge Juan Merchan expressed concern over Trump's audible cursing and visibly contemptuous demeanor, which he believed could intimidate the witness and jury.
Merchan emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated and instructed Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, to address the issue with his client.
Earlier that day, Daniels had begun recounting her 2006 encounter with Trump in his hotel room, for which she was allegedly paid $130,000 to remain silent before the 2016 election. The reimbursement payment made by Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, is central to the charges against Trump, who has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty.
Merchan explained that they were having this discussion at the bench to avoid embarrassing Trump. He pointed out instances where Trump's behavior was particularly concerning, such as when Daniels mentioned an incident involving a magazine and when The Apprentice was referenced, prompting Trump to utter a vulgarity.
Blanche assured the judge that he would speak to Trump about his behavior during the break. Daniels had earlier described meeting Trump at a golf tournament and detailed their conversation at his hotel suite, including her spanking him with a magazine, after which, she claimed, he became more polite.