David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc. (AMI), testified about concerns regarding the legality of catch and kill deals during a recent hearing. Pecker revealed that in 2016, he consulted an election law attorney while structuring a catch and kill contract with Karen McDougal. Despite concerns raised, AMI proceeded to sign a deal with McDougal, acquiring rights to stories involving married men and failing to publish the health and fitness articles promised to her.
Two years later, AMI reached a non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors investigating Michael Cohen. As part of the agreement, AMI admitted to violating federal campaign finance laws by making a $150,000 donation to Trump's campaign while coordinating with the campaign without disclosing it to the Federal Election Commission. Pecker cooperated with prosecutors as part of the deal.
