Shkreli Attorney Defends ‘Genius’ Client: ‘Not a Bad Kid’
Says history will remember pharma bro as “among giants.”
CNBC
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
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