SBF attempts to influence witnesses? Deliberate ridicule, shaking head prompts prosecutor's protest, Caroline may be pressured by emotions

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, also known as SBF, appeared to burst into laughter during testimony from Caroline Ellison, former head of Alameda and his ex-girlfriend, prompting objections from prosecutors.

SBF Reacts Emotionally, Deliberately Restrains Caroline Ellison?

According to a report by Fortune, some members of the media in the courtroom were unable to see SBF's reaction, and his voice would not be noticed by the jury or the audience in the gallery. Compared to his silence when facing victims, former investors, and former executives testifying, his reaction to Caroline's testimony was particularly intense.

Prosecutor Danielle Sassoon protested to presiding judge Lewis Kaplan that SBF was visibly shaking his head and laughing during Caroline's testimony, a key witness for the prosecution.

Danielle Sassoon stated:

I did not ask Caroline, but this could have a significant impact on her, especially considering her past romantic relationship with SBF and SBF's history of intimidation. I request that the defense attorney ask SBF to control his reactions to Caroline's testimony.

SBF's history of intimidation likely refers to the intentional leaks:

Prosecutors accuse SBF of intentionally leaking Alameda's former CEO's diary to smear the identity of a key witness.

Is SBF Emotionless in Private?

SBF's defense attorney Mark Cohen countered:

Prosecutor Danielle Sassoon's claim that SBF attempted to intimidate Caroline is absurd and has offended my client, SBF. He is here in court today to stand trial, and any reactions, if they occur, should be left to the judge and jury to decide.

Although presiding judge Lewis Kaplan did not notice SBF's reactions, he accepted the prosecutor's protest. He told the defense attorney:

I understand your frustration, but I accept what Danielle Sassoon said. If SBF has any reactions, they should stop; if he doesn't, then there is no issue.

Unlike his past sunny image in the media, SBF biographer Michael Lewis revealed that SBF had previously told him that he couldn't naturally smile.

This indicates that SBF's reaction to Caroline's testimony is indeed unusual.