Separated by 10 feet and a see-through, anti-COVID barrier, Elizabeth Holmes faced off against federal prosecutor Robert Leach for six hours Tuesday as Leach sought to highlight her alleged lies about the failed blood-testing startup and emphasize her decision-making role at the firm — while also showcasing the affection between Holmes and the former company president she yesterday accused of sexually abusing and controlling her.
Taking the witness stand for the fifth day, Holmes was at times gruff, the frequent small smiles she gave while answering her lawyers’ questions largely absent as she fought back against allegations that she deceived investors, retaliated against whistleblowers and controlled her purported abuser and ex-lover, rather than the other way around.
The testimony followed stunning claims Holmes made Monday accusing former Theranos president Sunny Balwani, with whom she had an intimate relationship for more than a decade, of forcing sex on her when she displeased him, as well as controlling how she worked, her hours and even what she ate. The testimony — coupled with pre-trial filings from Holmes’ attorneys — suggested that Holmes may cite Balwani’s alleged emotional and physical abuse as part of the defense.
Under cross-examination, Holmes became emotional when reading loving messages she exchanged with Balwani, who is also charged with fraud in relation to his work at Theranos and will be tried next year. She wiped away tears as she read aloud the...
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