In a stunning twist to the high-profile NY v. Trump case, legal observers are expressing concern over Michael Cohen's recent TikTok rant and fundraising efforts, suggesting that it may have "torpedoed" the case even before he takes the stand as a star witness. According to former federal prosecutor Andrew Cherkasky, this could pose a major problem for the prosecutors.

Cohen, a convicted perjurer and fraudster, has been vocal about the trial on TikTok, a popular social media platform where users can livestream and receive gifts from viewers, which can then be converted into money or virtual items. ABC News reports that Cohen has commented on former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker's testimony, continuously criticized President Trump, and even benefited from gifts showered upon him by his followers.

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy, speaking to Fox News Digital, stated, "It's a problem for prosecutors because they chose to build a case on a witness with a track record of bad conduct and deep bias, and not surprisingly, he can't help himself but continue to act in character."

Cohen's behavior has garnered significant attention, with legal experts and figures such as attorney Michael Avenatti expressing doubts about the case's outcome. Avenatti, once considered a formidable enemy of Trump, voiced concerns that Cohen's "narcissism and ego" may have jeopardized the entire case. Avenatti called for the court to strike Cohen as a witness, declare a mistrial, or both, pointing to his violation of a court order by reviewing trial testimony.

Moreover, Cornell Law School professor William A. Jacobson emphasized that Cohen's TikTok antics add to a long list of conflicts of interest, questioning his objectivity and veracity. Defense attorney Jeremy Saland, a former Manhattan District Attorney's Office employee, noted that Trump's legal team can exploit Cohen's actions to undermine his credibility during cross-examination.

Responding to the criticism, Cohen assured ABC News that he would cease discussing the trial out of respect for the court and prosecutors. However, shortly after his statement, he proceeded to engage with thousands of viewers on TikTok, briefly talking about Trump and the trial. Cohen later criticized ABC News on another platform, dismissing their report as a "non-story" and calling for a boycott.

While Cohen continues to court controversy, the proceedings have also seen Judge Juan Merchan fine Trump $9,000 for violating a gag order that prohibits him from publicly speaking about witnesses and court officials' family members. Constitutional law expert Jonathan Turley labeled the judge's decision to silence Trump but allow Cohen to speak as "absurd," expressing doubts about Cohen's trustworthiness as a witness.

As the NY v. Trump trial progresses, it remains to be seen how Cohen's behavior will ultimately impact the case and the credibility of his testimony. The incident has highlighted concerns about the reliance on a witness with a history of misconduct and bias, potentially casting doubt on the prosecutors' strategy and the trial's outcome.