Jennifer Ann Bonjean (born c. 1970) is an American defense attorney. Some of her clients have included Bill Cosby and R. Kelly.
Jennifer Bonjean | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jennifer Ann Bonjean c. 1970 (age 55–56) |
| Alma mater | DePaul University Loyola University Chicago School of Law |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Website | bonjeanlaw |
Biography
editBorn c. 1970 in Valparaiso, Indiana, Bonjean was a classically trained opera singer and worked at a rape crisis center in Chicago. She studied at DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago School of Law.[1]
In 2021, she helped free Bill Cosby on his sexual assault charges.[2] She defended him again for sexual assault in 2026, though he lost the case and was ordered to pay $19 million.[3]
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.[4][5] Also in 2021, she represented Keith Raniere, the founder of NXIVM. He was sentenced to 120 years in prison.[6]
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.[7]
In 2023, Harvey Weinstein hired her to defend him in his sexual abuse case.[8]
Bonjean is known for her aggressive litigation strategy. She has a "NOT GUILTY" tattoo on her arm.[9] She is a conservative feminist, and often trash talks the jury and judge.[10]
References
edit- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Dave, Thomas (June 30, 2021). "Here's the lawyer who got Bill Cosby's conviction tossed". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
- ↑ "Bill Cosby found liable in 1972 sexual assault, owes $19M in damages - CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ A, Aron (2022-07-07). "Larry Hoover Renounces The Gangster Disciples In Rare Public Comment". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ Gavin, Robert (7 January 2021). "NXIVM leader Keith Raniere's new lawyer worked for Bill Cosby". Times Union. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (2023-05-01). "Harvey Weinstein Hires Bill Cosby's Lawyer to Appeal L.A. Conviction". Variety. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
- ↑ Alexander, Harriet (2024-07-10). "The lawyer with a 'not guilty' tattoo who's defending Harvey Weinstein". The Times. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
- ↑ Janssen, Kim (2017-06-22). "Feminist lawyer and conservative judge take eye-rolling, trash talking to next level". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2024-07-10.