Due to Florida’s Sunshine Law, video footage of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft allegedly engaging in illicit sex activities are public record. The video surveillance obtained in a massive sting operation at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa & Massage Parlor in Jupiter, Florida, is reportedly being shopped around and has already been leaked, reports say.
The billionaire was hit with two charges of sex solicitation in February from visits to the spa.
According to Fox Business, attorneys representing two of the women charged in the prostitution bust claim law enforcement and prosecutors involved in the case leaked the footage, violating a court order.
“Considering the fact that only the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office and the Jupiter Police Department has possession, custody, and control of the video surveillance, it is a logical conclusion that someone must have leaked the video surveillance, in direct violation of this Court’s Order,” the attorneys said.
On Thursday, gossip outlet The Blast claimed they had viewed a sample of the tape and confirmed it was Mr. Kraft.
“Representatives of our news operation viewed the footage, and upon watching, can verify the tape appears to show Kraft in the massage parlor with another person, presumably the massage therapist,” the report said. “In the video, the 77-year-old is already undressed and laying on the massage table with his hands placed behind his head. The camera angle is an overhead shot, and it’s believed the camera was placed in the ceiling.”
The Blast said the footage they viewed “was only a portion of the videos collected by authorities, but it was enough to verify it’s legit.”
On Wednesday, Mr. Kraft’s legal team filed an emergency motion to block the immediate release of the footage soon after the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office announced their intention to release the surveillance videos to the public. Mr. Kraft’s ability to have a fair trail will be hindered by the release of the footage, the 77-year-old’s legal team is arguing.
In an apparent reaction to The Blast’s report, a spokesman for the Jupiter police force “downplayed the likelihood that the footage was actually up for sale, noting that the video has not surfaced,” the report says. The spokesman told the Associated Press, “If anyone had it, they would have released it by now.”
Kraft broke his silence over the scandal at the end of March.
“I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard,” Kraft said in the statement.
“Throughout my life, I have always tried to do the right thing. The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being. I have extraordinary respect for women; my morals and my soul were shaped by the most wonderful woman, the love of my life, who I was blessed to have as my partner for 50 years,” the team owner continued, referring to his late wife, Myra Hiatt Kraft.
“As I move forward,” he added, “I hope to continue to use the platform with which I have been blessed to help others and to try to make a difference. I expect to be judged not by my words, but by my actions. And through those actions, I hope to regain your confidence and respect.”