Notorious “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli’s attorney appeared on CNBC to defend his “genius” client against criticism over his exorbitant price increase on AIDS drugs and his behavior during a congressional hearing.
Shkreli appeared Thursday before a House Committee, in which he smirked, rolled his eyes, and pleaded the Fifth Amendment in response to questions from lawmakers.
“Today was a show and demonstration that [Congress] can force you to appear and force you to publicly embarrass yourself by invoking a Fifth Amendment privilege,” attorney Benjamin Brafman told CNBC. “And to be perfectly candid with you, Martin Shkreli, the one I’m getting to know very well is a genius, is a scientist.”
Asked about Shkreli’s post-hearing tweets calling U.S. lawmakers “imbeciles,” Brafman said his client’s words were “regrettable” but were an expression of frustration against being unfairly “villified.”
He concluded: “At the end of the day, when you look at what Martin Shkreli contributes to the world, you’re going to find him among the giants.”
—Andrew Kirell
