Elizabeth Holmes went to Rupert Murdoch to kill WSJ Theranos story
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Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos Inc. arrives in San Jose on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
SAN JOSE, CALIF. — In her first day facing questions from the prosecution, Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes admitted that she tried to get News Corp’s Rupert MurdochThe Wall Street Journal wanted to publish a story about her company, but she decided to end it.
Robert Leach, an assistant U.S. lawyer, asked Holmes: “You went personally to the Wall Street Journal’s owner to quell the story.”
Holmes answered, “I did.”
The Journal’s John Carreyrou’s article was published in Oct. 2015. It opened up the investigation floodgates which eventually lead to Theranos’ death in 2018 as well as the Indictment of Holmes for criminal fraud.
Holmes could face up to 20 year imprisonment if she is convicted of 11 counts each of wire fraud or conspiracy to commit wirefraud for her involvement at the blood-testing business. Holmes pleaded guilty
Her four daughters are prior appearancesHolmes began Nov. 19 before the jury and took questions from her attorneys. She tried to paint Holmes as a youthful, ambitious entrepreneur. out to do goodYou can change the world. Holmes summarized her answers to Monday’s jury, describing them. decade-long abusive relationshipRamesh Balwani was the ex-boyfriend of Sunny Balwani (who also served as president).
On Tuesday, Holmes was reexamined and focus returned to Holmes’ alleged deceptions. Murdoch, who personally invested $125 million in 2015 in Theranos as a wealthy individual, was among the others to make Theranos investments.
Holmes had a direct link to Murdoch. Leach provided the jury with an email Holmes wrote to Murdoch in September 1997. Holmes made reference to Gerard Baker who was the Journal’s editor in chief at that time.
Holmes commented, “As I reflect on it, I think that if I was in your shoes, I would want/be in the loop about this one.” We are hopeful that Gerard will visit our team.
The jury was told by her that it was part of an effort to convince Murdoch not to publish our trade secrets.
Rupert Murdoch
Drew Angerer | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Holmes admitted that she was worried about the Journal story.
Carreyrou was present at the trial and left in 2019. This is one year after he published his book, “Bad Blood”: Secrets and lies in Silicon Valley Startups. CNBC reported that Carreyrou said Tuesday to CNBC, “I stand behind every line of my writing.”
Holmes was interviewed on the witness stand regarding her threats against former employees Tyler Shultz. Erika CheungCheung, who went on to become whistleblowers. Cheung, who was a witness for the government, testified that she was pursued by private investigators after leaving her company. She also faced threats of litigation.
It was the whistleblower who had right
Holmes said that Boies Schiller Flexner is the law office of David Boies. Holmes hired them after discovering Cheung was speaking with Carreyrou. Holmes claimed she wanted to stop Cheung divulging trade secrets of her company.
Holmes stated that although she doesn’t agree with her views on the issues raised, she said she wished she had been more open to hearing her. Holmes appeared less flustered during her Tuesday appearances answering questions from defense attorneys.
“You now know that Ms. Cheung is right. Isn’t that fair?” Leach asked.
“Yes,” Holmes said, also telling the jury that the way she handled the Journal’s investigation was “a disaster.”
Holmes, under the supervision of the prosecution read aloud the text messages that she had written and received from Balwani. When she was reading the messages, Holmes broke down and fell to the ground.
Balwani sent Holmes a text on October 21, 2015. He wrote that he prayed deeply for Holmes. This is the most intense prayer I’ve ever prayed for anyone or anything in my entire life. Holmes read the message, wiping away tears.
Ramesh “Sunny,” Balwani (ex-President of Theranos) smiles at the hearing held in San Jose federal court, California. July 17, 2019.
Stephen Lam | Reuters
Balwani added, “Ur God’s tigress, warrior” in yet another message. You’re extraordinary.” Holmes replied, “Coming to my Tiger means the entire universe to me” and wrote “I Love You.”
It is fair to assume that Mr. Balwani was expressing affection and love to you. Leach was curious.
Holmes replied, “It’s.”
Leach noted that “love”, the term used by the government in 12,000 texts between Holmes and Balwani, was 594 times.
The tone was markedly different from Monday when Holmes stated that Balwani sexually and physically abused her during their relationship. And that he controlled most aspects of her life, even her schedule.
Holmes stated that Holmes had a profound impact on her life, answering questions from defense lawyers. Holmes said, “And that I do not fully comprehend.”
Holmes is also facing the same accusations as Balwani. Balwani has denied these allegations and pleaded guilty. His trial is set to start in 2022.
Leach also interrogated Holmes regarding her work relationship with Balwani.
“Sunny Balwani reported back to you?” Leach was curious.
Holmes stated, “He did.”
You could dismiss him at any moment. Leach was curious.
Holmes replied, “I can,”
Holmes made a surprising admission that she knew of another romantic relationship while Balwani was with her.
Leach asked, “How many years did this relationship last?” Leach asked.
Holmes claimed that it didn’t. “It wasn’t actually a formal partnership.”
“But, you had a romantic relationship with someone other than Mr. Balwani between 2010 and 2015?” Leach was curious.
“Yes,” Holmes said.
Shortly before 4 p.m. California, the court was recessed. On Tuesday, Holmes will be subject to cross-examination. According to the defense, it will be resting next week. At that point, the government will have an opportunity to rebut before juror deliberations start.
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