Home / Crime and Justice / Ovitz Dodges Contempt for Epstein Deposition Exit
Ovitz Dodges Contempt for Epstein Deposition Exit
9 Oct
Summary
- A court denied a warrant for Michael Ovitz's arrest.
- Ovitz left a deposition when questioned about Jeffrey Epstein.
- The judge ordered Ovitz to finish the deposition.
A court has declined to issue a bench warrant for Michael Ovitz, co-founder of CAA, after he abruptly ended a deposition. The deposition concerned his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, particularly his continued association after Epstein's sex crime conviction.
During the questioning, Ovitz stated he would not discuss Epstein, leading to tensions. He was asked about his ties to Epstein following the financier's conviction for sex crimes. This line of questioning stemmed from Ormond's assertion that CAA leadership ignored Harvey Weinstein's misconduct.
Justice Adam Silvera ruled that while Ovitz inappropriately terminated the deposition and must complete it, he would not be held in contempt. The judge determined Ormond's lawyers were not sufficiently hindered by Ovitz's departure.
Ormond's legal team asserted that the decision reinforces Ovitz is subject to the law and anticipates completing the deposition. Ovitz's lawyer maintains his client felt the questioning was abusive and intended to smear his name, prompting his exit from the deposition.
