Filmmaker Billy Corben Ordered to Appear in Court for Tweeting During Jury Duty

Billy Corben posted on his Facebook and Twitter during jury duty, officials said

Filmmaker Billy Corben will need to appear in court later this month to explain why he posted on Facebook and Twitter as he served jury duty.

On Friday, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jose Fernandez set Corben’s hearing for May 25 where the documentary star will be questioned for his actions, the Miami Herald reported.

The defendant in the case, Angelo Williams, was found guilty of armed robbery with a weapon but asked the court to throw out his conviction after Corben’s tweets, the Herald said.

Corben tweeted at least 14 times before and after going on the jury and his five Facebook messages generated 58 comments from readers, according to officials.

“Live-tweeting jury duty. Until battery dies. Or a judge holds me in contempt. Whatever comes 1st. Joking, your honor!” wrote Corben, whose films include the Miami-based documentaries “Cocaine Cowboys” and “The U.”

Though he never identified the defendant in the case or revealed any details, defense attorney Sara Yousuf argued “he flouted the repeated and clear command of this court by openly inviting input and commentary about Mr. Williams’ trial.”

The judge will determine whether Corben was prejudiced prior to Williams’ case, the newspaper said.

Corben could not be immediately reached for comment.
 

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