Fani Willis: Georgia prosecutor blames criticisms on race

Image source, Reuters

Fani Willis has described receiving numerous racist threat since taking on Donald Trump's case

By Brandon Drenon

BBC News, Washington

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has publicly hit back at critics as she faces allegations of having an affair with a prosecutor from her election fraud case against former President Donald Trump.

In a speech on Sunday at a historic Atlanta church, the Georgia prosecutor said she was "flawed" and "imperfect".

Ms Willis is accused of having an improper relationship with an attorney she has called a "great friend".

She blamed the criticisms on race.

It was the first time Ms Willis, Fulton County's first black female district attorney, made any public comment even hinting at the allegations since they first appeared in a court filing on 8 January.

In the filing, lawyers for Michael Roman, one of the 19 co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case, accused Ms Willis of engaging "in a personal, romantic relationship" with a lead prosecutor on the case.

Mr Roman asked the judge to dismiss his indictment, saying in the filing that Ms Willis "personally benefited" from the relationship. He also said the judge should disqualify Ms Willis from further prosecutions because she allegedly defrauded the public with an "intentional failure" to disclose her relationship.

The lawyers alleged the special prosecutor hired by Ms Willis' office, Nathan Wade, had a "lack of relevant experience" but has been paid roughly $650,000 (£510,705) in legal fees since being appointed.

And, according to the court filing, Mr Wade and Ms Willis took lavish vacations together on cruises and to places like California and the Caribbean.

Mr Trump's attorney said in court on Friday that they are considering joining the complaint.

Image source, Fulton County Sheriff's Office

Michael Roman is one of 19 co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case

While speaking at the Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church during a service celebrating Martin Luther King Jr Day, Ms Willis did not mention Mr Wade by name or address the allegations of having an improper relationship.

She focused her roughly 30-minute remarks on the role she felt race has played in the accusations, while defending Mr Wade's credentials.

Ms Willis said she was "a little confused" why so many questioned her decision to bring in multiple special prosecutors to the case and asked if her critics were "playing the race card".

"I appointed three special counsellors. It's my right to do. Paid them all the same hourly rate," Ms Willis said.

"They only attacked one," she said, adding that the other two outside lawyers were white.

Ms Willis also used her speech to detail her difficulties with the rampant racism she said she has faced since taking on the case.

"I am tired of being treated cruelly," Ms Willis said, describing feelings of "isolation", "loneliness" and death threats that have forced her from her home.

"They call me the N-word more than they call me Fani."

A spokesperson for Ms Willis' office has said a direct response to the allegations will be made in a court filing soon.

Ashleigh Merchant, Mr Roman's attorney, denied Ms Willis' allegations that race was a factor.

Ms Merchant said: "This has nothing to do with the colour of [Nathan Wade's] skin."

The court filing by Ms Merchant does not provide any direct evidence to support her client's claims and only cites "sources with knowledge".

Ms Merchant has said that she cannot share details until Mr Wade's divorce records are unsealed.

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