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.
During the recent questioning, Pecker acknowledged that he was aware of the illegality of the 2016 deal at the time and stated that he would not have proceeded with it if not for the benefit it provided to Trump. This revelation sheds light on the intricate legal and ethical issues surrounding the catch and kill practices employed by AMI and its implications in the broader context of campaign finance laws.
