Who is Andrew Brettler? 'SNL' star Horatio Sanz's lawyer has also represented Danny Masterson and Prince Andrew
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Andrew Brettler, an esteemed entertainment lawyer, has gained prominence for his representation of high-profile clients in contentious cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct. Notably, he has defended figures such as 'Saturday Night Live' star Horatio Sanz, actor Danny Masterson, and even Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
Today we delve into Brettler's involvement in these cases, providing insights into his career trajectory, legal approach, and notable successes.
Horatio Sanz's sexual assault case
Horatio Sanz, known for his notable tenure on 'Saturday Night Live', faced a lawsuit accusing him of grooming and sexually assaulting a teenage girl over two decades ago. The case was ultimately dismissed in November 2022, according to court filings. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleged that Sanz engaged in misconduct when she was 15 years old, while he was 31. Sanz acknowledged knowing the teenager in a court filing but vehemently denied the allegations.
During the legal proceedings, Brettler fiercely defended Sanz, labeling the claims as "totally meritless." In an August 2021 statement, Brettler expressed confidence in Sanz's innocence and dismissed Jane Doe's allegations as an attempt to gain media attention by involving high-profile names. However, despite the dismissal of the lawsuit, Jane Doe criticized Sanz's former 'Saturday Night Live' cast members for not supporting her throughout the legal process.
Tiffany Haddish's child sexual abuse lawsuit
Actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish found herself entangled in a lawsuit alleging child sexual abuse. The lawsuit, which was initially reported by The Daily Beast, claimed that Haddish and fellow comedian Aries Spears sexually abused a 14-year-old girl and her 7-year-old brother in separate incidents that occurred in 2013 and 2014. According to the lawsuit, the comedians coerced the siblings into participating in sexually explicit skits.
Brettler, who had previously represented Prince Andrew in a high-profile case, assumed the role of Haddish's lawyer. He vehemently refuted the allegations, categorizing them as "bogus claims." Brettler's staunch defense echoed his previous cases involving controversial figures accused of sexual misconduct. However, the lawsuit remains ongoing, and the ultimate outcome of Haddish's legal battle is yet to be determined.
Who is Andrew Brettler?
Brettler, a partner at the prestigious Los Angeles litigation firm Lavely & Singer, has forged a successful career as an entertainment lawyer since his admission to the bar in 2005. His legal expertise extends across several jurisdictions, including New Jersey, New York, and California. Over the years, Brettler has earned a reputation for handling complex and high-profile cases.
In 2019, The Hollywood Reporter acknowledged Brettler's influence and prominence by including him on its list of Hollywood's top 100 attorneys. This recognition solidified his status as a legal heavyweight within the industry. His clientele boasts notable figures such as Prince Andrew, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, filmmaker Bryan Singer, and actor Chris Noth.
One of Brettler's most notable cases was his representation of Prince Andrew in a civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre accused the prince of raping her at the age of 17 as part of a sex trafficking ring orchestrated by his friend, the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In February, the case was resolved through a settlement with undisclosed terms. Throughout the legal proceedings, Brettler emphasized the importance of due process and emphasized that the resolution of the case signaled its conclusion.
Brettler's approach
In an interview with Variety, Brettler highlighted his commitment to achieving positive outcomes for his clients based on his track record of success rather than his involvement in controversial or difficult cases. He expressed his belief in the fundamental principles of the American justice system, particularly the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Brettler acknowledged the significance of social movements like #MeToo, noting that they had increased the demand for legal representation in cases involving allegations of misconduct. However, he cautioned against hasty judgment based on anonymous accusations.
Brettler's approach to defending his clients has attracted attention and criticism. His aggressive defense strategies have been labeled as character assassination, as he seeks to discredit accusers by questioning their motives and mental state. In cases involving Bryan Singer and Danny Masterson, he utilized this technique by portraying the accusers as paranoid and delusional. Such tactics aim to undermine the credibility of the allegations.
Lavely & Singer, the law firm where Brettler practices, is renowned for its aggressive approach to defamation cases. Located near Fox Studios in Los Angeles, the firm has built a strong reputation as the go-to firm for Hollywood stars seeking legal representation. Marty "Mad Dog" Singer, a legal legend in the entertainment industry, heads the firm and has represented a multitude of A-list celebrities.
Outside of his legal career, Brettler's personal life has attracted some attention. He is married to actress Erica Piccininni, known for her appearances in 'Mad Men' and 'Jersey Boys', among other films and theater productions. The couple met in 2000 when a mutual friend attempted to set Brettler up with Erica's sister, according to their marriage announcement in The New York Times.