Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

Judging Sam: Caroline Ellison Takes The Stand

Oct 11, 2023

Lidia Jean Kott, a court reporter covering the high-profile Sam Bankman-Fried trial, shares insights after Caroline Ellison's explosive testimony. Ellison, the former co-CEO of Alameda Research and ex-girlfriend of Bankman-Fried, reveals her involvement in financial fraud, actively cooperating with prosecutors. Kott discusses the courtroom's intense atmosphere, the dynamics of Ellison's relationship with Bankman-Fried, and the ethical dilemmas posed by their actions. The trial’s implications for accountability in finance are also explored.

16:46

Creator website

Episode guests

Lidia Jean Kott

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The defense lawyers successfully challenged the prosecution's narrative, casting doubt on the credibility of key testimony.

Caroline Ellison's cross-examination holds anticipation for its potential impact on the trial dynamics, as it may reveal new information or contradict previous statements.

Deep dives

Defense gains confidence in cross-examination and challenges key testimony

The defense lawyers appeared more confident during cross-examination, challenging Gary Wong's testimony effectively. They focused on potential inconsistencies in his portrayal of Sam's tweet, suggesting it may not have been a deliberate lie. By casting doubt on the prosecution's narrative, the defense aims to weaken the case against Sam. The defense's success in cross-examination raises anticipation for Caroline Ellison's cross-examination and the potential impact it may have on the trial. The dynamics of the trial continue to evolve as key testimony is scrutinized and challenged.

Intro

2min

Courtroom Confessions: Ellison's Testimony

10min

Insights from Caroline Ellison's Testimony in the Trial

4min

The Complexities of Financial Truth: Examining Gary Wong's Testimony

3min

Insights from Caroline Ellison's Court Testimony

3min

Caroline Ellison, former co-CEO of Alameda Research and Sam Bankman-Fried’s ex-girlfriend, takes the stand and has a lot to say. Ellison recently pled guilty to financial fraud, and is cooperating with the prosecution. In this episode Lidia Jean Kott discusses what came up on Day 1 of Caroline’s testimony with Jacob Goldstein, financial reporter and author of the book Money.

This conversation was recorded in the evening on October 10.

Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com

To access bonus episodes, and to listen to all of our coverage ad-free, sign up for Pushkin plus on the Against The Rules show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm/plus.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.