The defense team in Stephen K. Bannon’s contempt of Congress trial on Friday said his chance for a fair trial could have been damaged by the House Jan. 6 Committee’s prime-time TV hearing.
In a motion filed before closing arguments, the defense said the committee featured a “particularly inflammatory” audio segment of Mr. Bannon in its hearing on Thursday and asked U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols to address any potential sway it may have over the jury.
“The nature and substance of the segment present a significant cause for concern regarding possible prejudice to Mr. Bannon’s constitutional fair trial rights and right to a jury trial if a juror viewed the segment or was made aware of it in some manner,” the motion reads.