'It was a lie!' Blanche shouts regarding Cohen testimony
Defense attorney Todd Blanche told jurors that Michael Cohen's one-time legal adviser Robert Costello -- the only substantive defense witness -- offered testimony to demonstrate that Cohen lied on the witness stand.
Blanche argued that Cohen lied about what he asked of Costello and how often they communicated.
"It's just another example of Mr. Cohen taking the witness stand and lying to you," Blanche said, suggesting that Cohen lied on the stand enough times that the jury should consider throwing out his entire testimony.
"I don't know how many lies are enough lies just to reject Mr. Cohen's testimony ... big or small, meaningful or not meaningful, but that was a lie," Blanche said.
Blanche argued that prosecutors attempted to prop up Cohen's credibility by offering phone records to corroborate his testimony, but the strategy backfired.
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"They showed him phone records and they showed him calls between him and others to help his testimony seem more corroborate and more credible," Blanche said. "We all know how that ended."
Raising his voice, Blanche reminded the jury about the inconsistency he highlighted in Cohen's testimony about a October 24, 2016, phone call.
"It was a lie!" Blanche shouted. "That was a lie and he got caught red-handed!"
"That is perjury!" Blanche shouted, drawing out each syllable.
"They are perfectly happy to have a witness commit perjury to lie to you," Blanche said, prompting an objection from prosecutors.
"Sustained," said Judge Merchan.