Judge in hush money case asked defense attorney to stop Trump from ‘audibly swearing’ during Stormy Daniels testimony

The presiding judge Donald TrumpFormer president’s secret trial in New York warned the former president’s lawyer Tuesday that he would not tolerate his client’s “audible swearing” during Stormy Daniels’ testimony, saying it could be intimidating for the witness.

The exchange between state Judge Juan Merchan and Trump attorney Todd Blanche took place during a sidebar, according to the official court transcript released Tuesday evening.

It comes on top of an already surreal day in court in which Daniels, an adult film actress, detailed what she said was a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006.

Merchan told Blanche, “I understand your client is upset at this point, but he’s audibly swearing and he’s visually shaking his head and it’s dismissive,” according to the transcript.

“It can potentially intimidate the witness and the jury can see that,” he added.

Blanche responded that he would speak to Trump, according to the transcript.

Merchan, referring to their discussion, which took place out of earshot of the rest of the courtroom, also told Blanche: “I’m talking to you here on the bench because I don’t want to ’embarrass. »

Merchan continued: “You need to talk to him. I will not tolerate this.

Blanche again told Merchan that he would speak to Trump before Merchan provided more examples of Trump’s actions in the courtroom.

“I once noticed Ms. Daniels testifying about rolling up the magazine and probably slapping your client, and after that moment he shook his head and looked down. And later, I think he was looking at you, Mr. Blanche, later when we were talking about The Apprentice, at which point he said something vulgar again and looked at you this time. Please talk to him at break, Mr. Blanche,” Merchan said, according to the transcript.

“Yes, I will,” replied Blanche.

Mercan found Monday that Trump had again violated an April 1 order of silence that prohibited him from disparaging witnesses or the jury. He warned that Trump could face prison time “if necessary” for any further violations. Trump has already been fined $10,000 for these violations.

Payments made to Daniels by then-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen near the end of the 2016 presidential campaign are at the heart of the case.

Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 in exchange for silence about her claims about a sexual relationship with Trump. Daniels testified Tuesday about the sexual contact she said she had with Trump and the payment to buy his silence. Trump has denied her claims and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com