Defence asks ex-porn star if alleged near-fatal attack was 'worth' social media fame
A former porn star has broken down in court when was asked if the social media followers she gained after her Mixed Marital Arts ex-boyfriend allegedly raped and attacked her were "worth it".
Christine Mackinday, of Las Vegas, wept in court on Thursday when she was asked how many new followers she had gotten after sharing posts about the attack.
The Mixed Marital Artist and Ultimate Fighting Champion professional, Jonathan War Machine Koppenhaver, is accused of brutally raping and beating the woman also known as Christy Mack on two separate incidents in May 2013 and August 2014.
He stands accused of leaving the 25-year-old woman with a ruptured liver, 18 broken bones, a broken nose, missing teeth and a fractured rib during the nearly fatal attack.
Detective Daniel Tomaino told the jury he visited Ms Mackinday in hospital following the alleged August 2014 incident to get a statement, but he said the young woman was so badly hurt she couldn't speak properly.
"I just couldn't understand what she was saying but it was because she didn't have any teeth," Mr Tomaino said.
She was allegedly set upon when her ex-MMA former partner discovered her in bed with another man, Corey Thomas, who Koppenhaver is also accused of brutally assaulting.
Ms Mackinday fought back tears during the cross examination during Koppenhaver's sexual assault and attempted murder trail, but broke down when asked about her social media followers, The New York Post reported.
The defence asked Mackinday if the social media followers she gained following the alleged attack were “worth it.”
She currently has 2.7m Instagram followers and her official Facebook page has more than 1.25m likes.
“I would not want to almost die for a few followers,” Ms Mackinday told the court.
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Koppenhaver, 35, who had his name legally changed to War Machine, was charged with 34 counts, including attempted murder, kidnapping and sexual assault.
Defense attorneys also cross-examined Ms Mackinday, asking her for details about their sexual relationship, and read aloud graphic text exchanges to the court including plans to engage with a “sex slave”.
Defense attorney Jay Leiderman apologised to those in the courtroom who appeared uncomfortable, telling them: “I am sorry. There is just no way I can get around this.”
Koppenhaver pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole.
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