Subscribe to receive the Inside Washington email newsletter, delivering exclusive coverage and analysis of the United States directly to your inbox every day.
Receive our free Inside Washington email
Sign up for our free Inside Washington email newsletter.
During her speech to a church group, Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, appeared to acknowledge the allegations of an affair aimed at her. She also showed support for the special prosecutor she selected for the case involving former president Donald Trump’s alleged election interference, although she did not mention him by name.
During a service to honor Martin Luther King Jr Day on Sunday at the Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, she playfully stated, “I hope this week I don’t appear as though I’ve endured much.”
The speaker expressed gratitude towards the leaders of the African American church in Atlanta who welcomed her to speak despite any criticism.
Ashleigh Merchant, the lawyer for Michael Roman, a former Trump campaign worker and previous White House employee, submitted a legal request against Ms Willis last week. The request claims that she had a personal and romantic involvement with one of the lead prosecutors, Nathan Wade, whom she hired to handle the case. This relationship supposedly resulted in financial benefit for both parties.
In the legal document, Ms Willis was charged with potentially engaging in an act that defrauds the public of honest services by intentionally withholding information about a supposed relationship that she personally gained from.
During her live broadcast on Sunday, Ms. Willis referred to herself as “flawed” and “imperfect”.
She never specifically named Mr. Wade, but rather referred to him as a “great friend” and praised his “impeccable credentials” for the position.
She proposed that accusations against her were rooted in racism.
“I anticipate their anger when I confront them about this ridiculous behavior,” Ms Willis stated. “Their first response is always, ‘She’s just pulling the race card.’ But isn’t it actually them using the race card when they assume I need someone from another jurisdiction or state to tell me how to do a job that I’ve been successfully doing for almost 30 years?”
She expressed her confusion, stating that she had appointed three special counsel, which was within her rights to do so. She paid them all the same hourly rate, yet they only seemed to target one individual.
Ms. Willis stated: “I employed a white woman, who is a close friend and an excellent lawyer, as well as a superstar. I also hired a white man who is a brilliant lawyer and a dear friend. And finally, I hired a Black man who is another superstar, a dear friend, and a great lawyer.”
“Are they not using the race card by singling out one person?” she questioned. “Why are they shocked that my diverse team is capable of achieving something extraordinary?”
In her passionate speech, she expressed her frustration with being mistreated.
Ms. Willis chose not to comment on the accusations of any potential relationship. Additionally, she did not speak to members of the media following the church event.
During her time at the church, she shared that she is frequently subjected to racial slurs. She stated, “I am called the N-word more often than I am called by my actual name, Fani.” She also mentioned that her residence has been searched several times for explosive devices, and as a result, she spends the majority of her days and nights alone.
According to Ms Merchant’s statement to ABC News, the accusations against Ms Wiillis and the special prosecutor were not based on race. She stated, “This is not a matter of skin color.”
She went on to say, “If anyone questions our assertion that [Nathan] Wade lacks experience, simply inquire about the number of RICO [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act] cases he has handled or the number of felonies he has tried.”
Additional information provided by news sources.
I do not understand the text or what it is asking for. Please provide more context or clarify your request.
