Seagal takes stand in mafia trial
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A highly reluctant Steven Seagal took the stand in a New York mafia trial yesterday and testified that the Gambino family had tried to prise money from him from his movie earnings and seriously considered killing him if he did not co-operate.
Mr Seagal flew into New York from a film set in Thailand to take the witness stand, despite fears he has expressed to prosecutors that his testimony could endanger his livelihood and his family. He described to jurors how a crew of Gambino family mobsters intimidated him on a number of occasions after he fell out with his former business partner, Jules Nasso.
In particular, he pointed to Sonny Ciccone, a defendant in the case, saying he had demanded $150,000 (£90,000) for every movie. After one meeting in 2000, Mr Seagal said, one of the men present said to him: "If you would have said the wrong thing, they would have killed you." On another occasion, Mr Seagal said, Mr Ciccone told him: "Look at me when I talk to you. We're proud people ... Work with Jules and we'll split the pie."
Mr Seagal, dogged by accusations of mafia ties throughout his career, agreed to testify only after being granted immunity from prosecution. He told a federal grand jury last year that he had serious misgivings. "I think to testify in a case like this could put me and my family in grave danger," he said. "I still think that. And it could destroy my livelihood and I have six children to feed." The defence was expected to paint Mr Seagal as a "pathological liar".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments