The case (No. 5:24-cv-01930-TJH-DTB) against Hollywood fixers Paul Barresi and Adam Waldman has sparked extensive scrutiny, as a lawsuit alleges both men engaged in intimidation and manipulation tactics targeting witnesses in connection to the Viper Room and Johnny Depp. The allegations include claims of witness tampering, evidence fabrication, and threats of violence aimed at protecting reputational interests.
Witness Testimony and Allegations of Influence
Central to the lawsuit are allegations that Barresi and Waldman worked to undermine the credibility of potential witnesses. A witness named Mr. Albertini, who worked at the Viper Room, reached out to Faydra Corkum, sister of Depp’s former assistant Bruce Corkum, to warn her about Depp’s connection to Barresi. Albertini recounted violent incidents where Depp allegedly hurled items at Corkum and engaged in physical altercations within the Viper Room.
Audio Recordings and Alleged Threats
Recorded conversations implicate Barresi in direct threats and intimidation attempts, where he allegedly describes himself as working with “Johnny Depp’s consiglieri,” a reference to Waldman. These recordings capture Barresi dismissing witnesses, such as Stacy Lee Lopez and Donna, as insignificant, while other recordings depict incidents of vandalism and intimidation. According to Barresi, these actions were meant to dissuade witnesses and were part of a larger, more “elaborate” plan.
Patterns of Harassment and Tampering
The lawsuit includes numerous instances of what it describes as a campaign of intimidation. Barresi is alleged to have sent emails containing threats, one ominously reading, “One down, about four more to go. And believe me they are goin’ down. Johnny & Adam Waldman are fully aware of who.” These communications point to an ongoing effort to silence or intimidate individuals with information potentially damaging to Depp.
In another communication, Waldman allegedly responded in agreement to an email referencing Barresi’s efforts to gather evidence against Depp. Certain witness names were removed from these emails, adding to concerns over selective presentation and manipulation of facts to support Depp’s narrative.
Edited Audio Clips and Manipulated Testimonies
Audio recordings shared by Barresi appear to reveal a pattern of selective editing. One of these clips, dated December 15, 2022, captures a conversation between Barresi and Waldman discussing techniques allegedly aimed at confusing witnesses and blending “reality with illusion.” This technique, the lawsuit claims, was used to discredit witnesses and disrupt any adverse testimony.
Surveillance, Stalking, and Threats of Violence
Witnesses targeted by Barresi reportedly faced stalking and harassment, with some advised to increase security due to ongoing vandalism. Ms. Howell, one of the named witnesses, expressed ongoing fears for her safety, describing multiple incidents of harassment she believed were intended to prevent her from testifying.
Security firms monitoring the situation, such as JCB International Training and Security, reported on Barresi’s tactics, with claims he was under “federal authority watch” for alleged attempts to pressure witnesses into silence. This intimidation extended to audio edits of conversations involving relatives of Anthony Fox, a Viper Room co-owner who vanished under suspicious circumstances.
Alleged Payoffs and Financial Incentives
In July 2023, Barresi allegedly flew to Washington, D.C., to meet with Waldman, prompting speculation of a payoff. Witnesses reported seeing him depart from Dulles Airport with another individual carrying a briefcase. Private Investigator Juan Brooks, working with JCB International, suggested this may have been a financial exchange intended to solidify Barresi’s silence or cooperation. Brooks also claimed that funding for this trip may have been tied to Depp’s interests.
Audio Manipulation and Deception Allegations
Barresi’s involvement in witness manipulation extended to creating audio edits he then shared, selectively arranging conversations to produce a narrative favoring Depp. One particular audio clip captured Barresi speaking about the disappearance of Anthony Fox, suggesting it was covered up to protect Depp and others involved in the Viper Room’s operations. These recordings, along with other documented interactions, were allegedly tampered with to create doubt about witnesses’ credibility.
Intimidation Tactics Escalate
The harassment reported by witnesses allegedly increased through late July 2023, with Barresi purportedly boasting about his influence over Depp’s decisions. Barresi claimed he had advised Depp to cut financial support to certain individuals, calling them “freeloaders.” Among those singled out was Isaac Baruch, a longtime Depp associate whom Barresi accused of financially exploiting Depp.
International Incidents and More Allegations
Barresi’s actions allegedly took an international turn in August 2023 when he was reported to be in Italy. Though authorities at an Italian airport intercepted him, he was released soon after. His activities abroad raised questions, particularly after he posted images with what appeared to be veiled threats against Viper Room witnesses upon his return to the U.S.
Witness Retaliation and Communications
The lawsuit notes that Barresi and Waldman’s communications reportedly grew increasingly aggressive. On August 7, 2023, JCB International informed relevant authorities of their concerns regarding Barresi’s intimidation tactics. Shortly thereafter, additional audio edits were released by Barresi, allegedly portraying certain witnesses as involved in violent incidents they had not committed, furthering fear and distrust among the witnesses involved.
Additional Testimonies and Audio Evidence
Key audio evidence in the case includes a conversation between Shaw and Albertini discussing Depp’s behavior within the Viper Room. Albertini referenced an incident where Depp allegedly burned a cigarette on a woman, punching walls in a fit of jealousy over his then-partner Kate Moss’s friendship with another woman.
In another audio exchange, Albertini and Shaw discussed allegations against Paul Schindler, who allegedly attempted to hire a hitman. This claim, tied to Depp’s social circle and the Viper Room, is currently under investigation, adding to the long list of claims under review.
Conclusion
This legal action against Paul Barresi and Adam Waldman reveals allegations of witness tampering, harassment, and intimidation intended to shield Depp from potential reputational harm. The collection of emails, audio recordings, and personal testimonies presented in the case outline an intricate effort to protect high-profile figures through underhanded tactics.
As more evidence unfolds, the case casts light on the methods used by Hollywood fixers to influence legal outcomes, underscoring the extent of intimidation, witness tampering, and alleged payouts in a high-stakes attempt to control public narratives. This ongoing lawsuit continues to draw attention to the shadowy underpinnings of Hollywood’s legal and reputational defenses, particularly when tied to figures as influential as Johnny Depp.