Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis addressed the recent allegations of misconduct surrounding special prosecutor Nathan Wade in the case against former President Trump during a speech at the Big Bethel AME Church ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Willis staunchly defended Wade’s qualifications and rejected claims of impropriety in his hiring for the state’s election interference case, as reported by The Hill on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
The accusations surfaced when Mike Roman, a co-defendant of Trump and a political operative, accused Willis and Wade of engaging in an inappropriate romantic relationship. Roman’s lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, asserted that this alleged relationship, which they claim began before the election interference, undermines the credibility of the indictment and called for its dismissal.
While not directly naming Wade in her speech, Willis defended his “impeccable credentials” and detailed the appointment of three special counselors, all compensated equally. She emphasized the diversity among the lawyers she hired, particularly highlighting the extensive experience of the Black male lawyer chosen for the case, who had a background as a judge, private practitioner, and prosecutor.
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Willis questioned the motives behind the allegations, suggesting possible racial motivations. She pointed out that the same Black male lawyer had been considered acceptable when hired by a Republican in another jurisdiction and paid at a higher rate. Willis expressed concerns about the perception of Black professionals, questioning if some individuals would never see a Black man as qualified, regardless of achievements.
During her nearly 35-minute speech, Willis described the toll of the allegations, referring to the past few days as a “low point” and openly acknowledging her flaws. She addressed critics, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, expressing disappointment that Greene hadn’t reached out personally and emphasizing a desire to avoid engaging in a spirit of hate.
Willis shared her experiences of receiving threats, facing derogatory name-calling, and having her personal information exposed. Additional attention arose as Willis was subpoenaed in Nathan Wade’s ongoing divorce case, adding scrutiny in the media.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee is awaiting a response from the district attorney’s office regarding Roman’s motion to dismiss the indictment, with a hearing expected to be scheduled for February.
Meanwhile, Trump has utilized Roman’s allegations in his argument to dismiss the criminal indictment, asserting that they undermine the case’s credibility. As legal proceedings continue, Trump faces multiple counts related to alleged attempts to overturn the election results in Georgia, along with a separate federal criminal case in Washington, D.C., regarding efforts to stay in power after losing the 2020 election.
