Embattled Nigerian suspected fraudster, Ray Hushpuppi has reportedly hired Mark Geragos, a former lawyer to the late Micheal Jackson.
Geragos, 62, is no stranger to controversial defendants. He has previously defended the likes of Chris Brown, Michael Jackson, and Scott Peterson.
Here is everything you need to know about Geragos and his past trials:
Chris Brown
Mark Geragos was hired to defend Chris Brown in the 2009 high-profile assault case brought forth by his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. Geragos was able to reduce the original felony charges in a plea deal agreement, through which the “Kiss Kiss” singer served only five years probation.
Geragos continued to defend Brown in other trials, including publicly representing him following a club brawl with Drake, NBA star Tony Parker and other members of the trios’ posse. Most recently, he has defended the R&B singer following a rape accusation that detained him in Paris. (No charges were filed against Brown.)
Speaking to RumorFix about Brown, Geragos expressed his support for his client. “I consider him as a son, I really do,” the defense attorney said. “I could not be more proud of him.”
Michael Jackson
Geragos was hired in 2003 by the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Jackson, then 45, was indicted on several charges of child molestation in November 2003. In 2005, a jury found the “Bad Singer” not guilty on all charges.
Of course, the accusations have been resurfaced in Leaving Neverland. Dan Reed’s three-part docuseries addresses several of the allegations of child abuse and molestation against Jackson over the years, told from the perspective of accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
Scott Peterson
Scott Peterson, now 47, hired Mark Geragos to defend after being charged with murdering his wife, Laci Peterson, 27, and their unborn son on Dec. 24, 2002. In what became one of the most shocking trials in recent memory, the Peterson case captivated the nation and became the subject of the A&E show, The Murder of Laci Peterson.
Although Geragos was able to dismiss several key pieces of evidence, he was unable to get Peterson acquitted. The defendant was convicted of first-degree murder in Laci’s death and second-degree murder for Conner’s death.
Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett, 37, hired Geragos to defend him in the Chicago case which contends that Smollett faked a hate crime.
The Empire actor was facing 16 felony charges for his role, and reportedly paid a total of $8,000 for the men to attack him, using racial and homophobic slurs, placing a noose around him, and dousing him in bleach.
Eventually, Smollett was released on $100,000 bail after has pled not guilty to all charges.
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