This week, a high-profile witness from Elizabeth’s superstar board of directors surprises the courtroom by taking the stand: 4-star general and former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis. He speaks of being dazzled by the potential of Theranos’ devices on the battlefield and the disillusionment he felt when the full story came to light. Plus, we meet a patient whose Theranos test results led to a terrifying ordeal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previously on the Dropout.
We met two Theranos lab employees who highlighted stunning blood testing issues that led to their resignations.
Quality controls were failing.
At one point, what seemed almost every day this week, we hear real life consequences from a patient on the receiving end of those tests.
But first, a high profile witness from Elizabeth, superstar board of directors, surprises the courtroom by taking the stand.
Once in a while, we can all be fooled by something.
It was obviously a mistake on my part to be part of it.
From ABC audio, this is the dropout Elizabeth Holmes on trial episode six, the General and the patient.
If we've learned one thing from following the criminal trial of Elizabeth Holmes, it's to expect the unexpected.
And this week was no exception.
Midway through the testimony of a price Waterhouse Coopers employee who was diligently authenticating text exchanges between Elizabeth and her former boyfriend and Cooze Sunny Balwani, the government made a surprise announcement.
Another witness with significant demands on his schedule and international visitors to meet had some free time right then and there.
Could a swap be made to accommodate this prominent figure?
Judge Davila joked to the court, we can have the witnesses arm wrestle.
Unfortunately for the jury and reporters in the room, there would be no arm wrestling.
But there was a lot of speculating.
Who was this busy vip about to take the stand?
ABC News Miles Cohen described the scene.
There's this man in the back of the courtroom, and he's surrounded by an entourage of court martials and what appear to be government special agents.
There's all this whispering, is it Kissinger?