NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a sensational courtroom showdown this week, billionaire investor Michael Fisch found himself in the hot seat as his divorce battle with philanthropist and former model Laura Roberson-Fisch took a heated turn.
The drama unfolded in the Manhattan Supreme Court, where the estranged couple is wrestling with the complex division of their vast assets, including three opulent Hamptons mansions valued at nearly $100 million.
Justice Ariel Chesler presided over the tumultuous hearing in New York, and it was clear from the outset that emotions were running high.
Judge's plea for composure
The judge wasted no time in cautioning Fisch, 60, to maintain composure and allow the lawyers to navigate the proceedings. "Sir, please just listen," implored Justice Chesler, attempting to rein in the fuming financier.
According to the New York Post, Laura's attorney alleged that Fisch had been "looting art" from their shared home and shockingly claimed that he had promised her a mere "single dollar" of her impending massive divorce settlement while the legal battle raged on.
Fisch's attorney, Marilyn Chinitz of the Blank Rome firm, retaliated with allegations of her own, asserting that Laura had engaged in "obsessive behavior" by stalking the wealthy executive when it was his designated time at one of their East Hamptons mansions.
“She is clearly exhibiting obsessive behavior to stalk him and harass him,” Chinitz told the court. “It was his time at the home. She saw a car on the property, and she went on the property to stalk him and see, ‘Who’s there?'”
Pointed accusations fly
Throughout the proceedings, Justice Chesler struggled to maintain order as the lawyers engaged in a fiery exchange of accusations. At one point, Chinitz assured the judge that she wanted to "stay on focus," drawing a sharp retort from Jonathan Wolfe, Laura's attorney.
“No she doesn’t,” Wolfe shot back. “She wants to make it as salacious as possible!”
Wolfe also threw his own bombshells into the mix, including the claim that his client had obtained a restraining order against Fisch "because he was looting art from the marital home."
Insiders had previously hinted that the couple possessed a blue-chip art collection potentially valued at over $500 million. While Fisch's exact net worth remains undisclosed, a source told Page Six he was worth "at least $10 billion."
However, Wolfe's most damning allegation centered around Fisch's personal life. “He won’t even agree not to bring women into the bed where she sleeps on alternating weeks!” she exclaimed.
Michael Fisch's frustration
As the hearing unfolded in a Manhattan courtroom, Fisch, clad in a blue raincoat over a pinstriped black suit, struggled to contain his frustration. Initially, he addressed the court with measured tones, accusing Laura's lawyers of weaving a "web of lies" and insisting that he had provided ample records of their shared financial assets.
But Fisch's composure soon crumbled when he described the requests for documents as "pure harassment."
"I produced everything that's reasonable, and I keep producing it!" Fisch exclaimed, his voice rising. His outburst prompted a swift rebuke from Justice Chesler. “Sir, sir, please listen, please,” she told Fisch.
Throughout the hearing, Fisch's body language spoke volumes. He went from leaning back in his chair with his hand on his temple to leaning forward, pressing his arms into the desk in front of him. He frequently gestured angrily and exaggeratedly mouthed "that's not true" while Laura's attorneys presented their arguments.
In contrast, Laura Roberson-Fisch remained composed throughout the tumultuous proceedings, maintaining a calm demeanor even as the legal teams clashed.
Judge's role as mediator
The two-hour skirmish saw the attorneys often shouting over each other, causing Justice Chesler to intervene and urge everyone to take a breath. At times, the courtroom resembled a couple's therapy session, with the judge encouraging both sides to find common ground and work together.
While the initial purpose of the hearing was to address the financial records Laura is entitled to as part of the divorce case, it quickly spiraled into a spectacle of personal accusations and courtroom theatrics.
“Why would they care if he went out for dinner for Chinese food?” Chinitz said, later adding, “They are chasing down a rabbit hole for no reason other than harassment.”
Justice Chesler acknowledged that the proceedings had veered off course but ultimately ruled that Fisch must disclose all of his bank and investment accounts while limiting Laura's access to details of his spending habits. Both parties are set to return to court on November 15, per the New York Post.
