18 seconds ago 2009-12-21T06:25:22-08:00
U.S. actor John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston leave the court building in Nassau, Bahamas, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. Travolta described the moments before his son's death in the Bahamas as he testified Wednesday against two people accused of trying to blackmail him with private information about the rescue effort.
(AP Photo/Kris Ingraham)Associated Press
NASSAU, Bahamas -- John Travolta testified Wednesday that a Bahamas paramedic threatened to sell stories to the news media suggesting the movie star was at fault in the death of his 16-year-old son.
Travolta said paramedic Tarino Lightbourne, who is now on trial for extortion, demanded $25 million.
If he did not pay, Travolta told the jury, Lightbourne indicated he would use against him a consent document that the actor initially signed refusing to have his son Jett sent to a local hospital. The document cleared Lightbourne of any liability.
"They were stories that would imply that the death of my son was intentional and I was culpable in some way," Travolta said.
Travolta was testifying in the second week of the trial of Lightbourne and Pleasant Bridgewater, a former Bahamas senator who allegedly negotiated with the actor's lawyers for the medic. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Travolta testified last week that he signed the document because he initially wanted his son flown to Florida for treatment. But Jett, who had suffered a seizure at a family vacation home on Grand Bahama island, was taken instead to a local hospital, where he died on Jan. 2.
Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston, left the Nassau courthouse immediately after his testimony in an entourage of cars with their attorneys and bodyguards.
A Bahamian attorney for Travolta, Allyson Maynard-Gibson, has testified that Bridgewater told her in a January meeting that the paramedic was talking with a woman from an unidentified American news outlet "who said it might be beneficial to him if he could show that Travolta was negligent." She said Lightbourne was also in talks with several other media companies.
The actor testified that he authorized his lawyers to contact Bahamas police after hearing about the alleged threat from Lightbourne.
The trial began Sept. 21 and is expected to last several weeks.
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MitchLightbourne and Bridgewater are sub-human, to want to try and profit from the Travolta's Tragedy. May they rot in Prison.report abuseposted October 7, 2009 2:29 AM PDT
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MitchLightbourne and Bridgewater are sub-human, to want to try and profit from the Travolta's Tragedy. May they rot in Prison.report abuseposted October 7, 2009 2:29 AM PDT
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PhillipYatesMr. Lightbourne and Mr. Bridgewater, May GOD have mercy on you. I pray that the Lord's will to be done in the hopfully, criminal cases against you. "Vengance is mine". sayeth the Lord. What both of have done is disgracefull for one, mankind. Mr. Bridgwater, I will NOT forget your actions. If you EVER attemp to run or place yourself in any position to be Elected for ANY Greport abuseposted October 1, 2009 10:13 AM PDT
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PhillipYatesThis is terrible !! There are so few "GOOD" people left in this world escpecially those who are in the public eye. Mr. Travolta and Ms. Preston , I am SO SORRY that there are some people still trying to cause you grief. On top of what you are already going through. Both of you are in my prayers. GOD Bless you both.report abuseposted October 1, 2009 10:07 AM PDT
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Peter RabbitI think these %@!*#s should be placed in front of a firing squad and killed. I have no respect for people like them. BUT, that's what happens when you go to these foreign countries. They'll do anything for money. I wish John and Kelly the best and hope they realize their son is well taken care of now. Keep ur heads up guys and in the end, everything will unfold. God will takereport abuseposted October 1, 2009 10:02 AM PDT
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lindsayI found a great dating site________S e e k i n g R i c h . C o m________. The best dating club for seeking the rich singles, sexy beauties and even hot celebs.. what's the most important is that you dont have to be a millionaire.but you can meet one. I think everyone need to meet some miracle after all the terrible stuff in the news and the economy .You should check it out!!! GGGGGGGreport abuseposted October 1, 2009 9:47 AM PDT
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lindsayI found a great dating site________S e e k i n g R i c h . C o m________. The best dating club for seeking the rich singles, sexy beauties and even hot celebs.. what's the most important is that you dont have to be a millionaire.but you can meet one. I think everyone need to meet some miracle after all the terrible stuff in the news and the economy .You should check it out!!! GGGGGGGreport abuseposted October 1, 2009 9:47 AM PDT
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TOMMYif you have ever been to the bahamas you know what thieves these people are. they should throw the book @ this bum!!!!!!!report abuseposted October 1, 2009 9:41 AM PDT
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Rebeccaits a shame from this tragedy that the parents are going through to have to deal with people who have money on their minds. may god forgive them.report abuseposted October 1, 2009 9:41 AM PDT
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Rebeccaits a shame from this tragedy that the parents are going through to have to deal with people who have money on their minds. may god forgive them.report abuseposted October 1, 2009 9:41 AM PDT
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