Jennifer Bonjean

Jennifer Bonjean
Born
Jennifer Ann Bonjean

c. 1970 (age 54–55)
Valparaiso, Indiana, US
OccupationAttorney
Websitebonjeanlaw.com

Jennifer Ann Bonjean (English: Bon ʤiːn; born c. 1970) is an American attorney of sexual assault cases.

Biography

Born c. 1970 in Valparaiso, Indiana, Bonjean was a classically trained opera singer, and worked at a rape crisis center in Chicago. She studied at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.[1]

In 2021, she helped free Bill Cosby on his sexual assault charges.[2] Also in 2021, she was hired by Larry Hoover to attempt to appeal his sentence under the First Step Act. The request was denied by Harry Leinenweber.[3][4] Also in 2021, she represented Keith Raniere, the founder of NXIVM. He was sentenced to 120 years in prison.[5]

Bonjean was R. Kelly's lead lawyer during his 2022 sexual abuse trial. She described Kelly as a "victim of extortion and financial exploitation", and called one of his accusers a pathological liar.[6]

In 2023, Harvey Weinstein hired her to defend him in his sexual abuse case.[7]

Bonjean is known for her aggressive litigation strategy. She has a "NOT GUILTY" tattoo on her arm.[8] She is a Conservative feminist, and often trash talks the jury and judge.[9]

References

  1. ^ Herstik, Lauren; Jacobs, Julia (2022-09-19). "Defending R. Kelly and Bill Cosby, the Same Combative Lawyer". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  2. ^ Dave, Thomas (June 30, 2021). "Here's the lawyer who got Bill Cosby's conviction tossed". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  3. ^ A, Aron (2022-07-07). "Larry Hoover Renounces The Gangster Disciples In Rare Public Comment". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  4. ^ "Federal judge denies sentencing break to Larry Hoover, 'one of the most notorious criminals in Illinois history'". Chicago Sun-Times. 2021-07-06. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  5. ^ Gavin, Robert (7 January 2021). "NXIVM leader Keith Raniere's new lawyer worked for Bill Cosby". Times Union. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  6. ^ Jacobs, Julia; Chiarito, Robert (2022-09-14). "R. Kelly Convicted in Sex Abuse Case Involving Videos of a Teenage Girl". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  7. ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (2023-05-01). "Harvey Weinstein Hires Bill Cosby's Lawyer to Appeal L.A. Conviction". Variety. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  8. ^ Alexander, Harriet (2024-07-10). "The lawyer with a 'not guilty' tattoo who's defending Harvey Weinstein". The Times. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  9. ^ Janssen, Kim (2017-06-22). "Feminist lawyer and conservative judge take eye-rolling, trash talking to next level". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2024-07-10.