“You’re set to go on trial for your life. The government says they have an airtight case, and that several of the most notorious people in organized crime have agreed to testify against you. Aren’t you just a little worried?”
Joey gave Diane Reynolds, the host of Night Talk his most charming smile and with a light chuckle answered, “Diane, when the truth is on your side, whom should you fear? What the government wants to present to the American people is a gangster movie, starring me as the bad guy. But I’m not the bad guy, Diane. I’m a simple Brooklyn boy who made good. I think the American people will see that. I trust them, and I think they trust me.”
Joey winked at the camera, knowing that several million people—including members of the potential jury pool—would be tuned in, hanging on his every word. His plan was to try the case in the court of public opinion, because he knew if he won there, the trial was over before it even got started.
“But, Mr. Diamanti…”
“Joey,” he corrected her.
“Joey…the government has charged you with some pretty heinous things. On top of drug smuggling and money laundering, they also have accused you of several murders, including the 1990 slaying of six-year-old, little Andrew Bonanno and—”
“Excuse me, Diane, I’m sorry, but I really have to stop you right there,” Joey objected, leaning forward toward the camera, a solemn look on his face. “To be accused of being a gangster or a drug dealer is one thing, but to be accused of actually taking the life of an innocent child…” he shook his head after letting his voice trail off then concluded, “No Diane, I would never do anything like that, I wouldn’t even know where to begin to have anything to do with such a heinous crime. I think it truly shows the government’s desperation in even charging me.”
Joey pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head, playing to the camera like the pro he was.
“I don’t mean to upset you, Mr. Dia—I mean—Joey, I’m sure this is tough, but…”
“I mean, where do you draw the line, you know? I just think it’s disgusting,” he remarked, frowning as if the word tasted like it sounded.
“But it’s not just that, is it, Joey? The government has even implicated you in an attempted murder much closer to home. So I have to ask, did you put a hit on your own father?”