Republished with full copyright permissions from The San Francisco Press.

In a recent development surrounding the high-profile arrest of Carlos Watson, founder of Ozy Media, a Brooklyn federal judge, Eric Komitee, expressed concern over the language used in U.S. Attorney Breon Peace’s press release.

The Press Release:
U.S. Attorney Peace’s press release highlighted the allegations against Watson, accusing him of lying about the company’s financials to investors. However, the judge took issue with one specific statement that referred to Watson as a “con man” and suggested that he had run Ozy Media as a criminal organization.

The Judge’s Concerns:
Judge Komitee empathized with Watson’s request to have the release removed from the U.S. Attorney’s website, as he believed that grouping Watson with “corrupt executives who flagrantly violate the law” could unfairly influence the trial. He noted that the wording of the press release created an implication that Watson’s indictment was a direct result of law enforcement priorities, thus blurring the line between legitimate commentary and potential prejudice.

Komitee’s Observations:
While reserving judgment on the motion to remove the press release, Judge Komitee expressed his thoughts on the matter. He questioned whether the description of Watson running Ozy Media “as a criminal organization rather than as a reputable media company” was gratuitously hyperbolic. Emphasizing that Ozy Media engaged in actual content dissemination as a media and entertainment company, he highlighted that the indictment presented the business as such.

The Judge’s “Request”:
Judge Komitee had a subtle message for the government in his remarks. While he did not issue an outright order, he asked the prosecutors to consider modifying or excising the language used in the press release in light of the concerns raised during the discussion. This implied suggestion indicates the judge’s expectation for the government to address the matter seriously.

The ongoing legal case involving Carlos Watson, the founder of Ozy Media, has taken a new turn with the judge expressing unease over the language used in the U.S. Attorney’s press release. Judge Komitee’s questioning of the characterization of Watson and his request for potential modifications demonstrate his commitment to maintaining fairness in the trial. As this case continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the government responds to the judge’s observations.