Select Page

Jennifer Bonjean

Jennifer Ann Bonjean (English: Bon ʤiːn; born c. 1970) is an American criminal attorney. She has represented high-profile individuals such as Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, Keith Raniere, Harvey Weinstein, and Nicole Daedone.[1][2][3]

Biography

Born c. 1970, in Valparaiso, Indiana, Bonjean was a classically trained opera singer. She studied music at DePaul University and graduated from the Manhattan School of Music.[2] While working at a rape crisis center in Chicago, she became disillusioned by prosecutors' failure to pursue charges, which led her to study law.[2] She earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.[1]

In 2021, she helped free Bill Cosby on his sexual assault charges.[4] Cosby's spokesman, Andrew Wyatt, said her "clarity and professionalism" helped win the case. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the ruling in 2022, finalizing his release.[2]

Also in 2021, she was hired by Larry Hoover to attempt to appeal his sentence under the First Step Act. The request was denied by Harry Leinenweber.[5][6] That same year, Bonjean represented Keith Raniere, the founder of NXIVM. He was sentenced to 120 years in prison.[7]

Bonjean was R. Kelly's lead lawyer during his 2022 sexual abuse trial. She described Kelly as a "victim of extortion and financial exploitation."[8] Her approach drew national attention for its aggressive tone: she accused one witness of extortion and called another a "pathological liar." During closing arguments, she stated: "We are in an era of 'believe women', and I agree — but not in the courtroom. We scrutinize. There's no place for mob-like thinking in a courtroom."[1][2]

In 2023, Harvey Weinstein hired her to defend him in his sexual abuse case.[9] She called continued imprisonment "a grave injustice" and expressed confidence in the appeal. Weinstein's New York conviction was overturned in April 2024; his California appeal is ongoing.[2]

As of 2024, Bonjean is also defending Nicole Daedone, founder of the sexual wellness company OneTaste, in a federal forced labor conspiracy case. Bonjean objected to characterizing OneTaste as a "cult" and argued the prosecution's case was based on moral judgment rather than legal merit. The trial began May 2025.[3]

Exoneration work

Beyond celebrity clients, Bonjean has secured the release of at least 13 wrongfully convicted individuals through her firm based in New York, which focuses on civil rights and post-conviction relief.[2]

Personal philosophy and litigation style

Bonjean describes herself as a feminist and maintains that defending accused men is not at odds with women's rights. "I'm supposed to be some type of ambassador — a vagina ambassador", she told The New York Times.[1] She is widely recognized for her combative courtroom style. Her Instagram bio labels her a "gladiator in and out of the courtroom." She has the phrase "NOT GUILTY" tattooed on her arm and often wears a necklace inscribed with "champion."[2]

Bonjean has said her style — theatrical and relentless — is effective and necessary. Critics have called it harsh; supporters say it's exactly what defense work demands.[1][2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Herstik, Lauren; Jacobs, Julia (2022-09-19). "Defending R. Kelly and Bill Cosby, the Same Combative Lawyer". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Alexander, Harriet (2024-07-10). "The lawyer with a 'not guilty' tattoo who's defending Harvey Weinstein". The Times. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  3. ^ a b "OneTaste founder Nicole Daedone says she plans to testify at her trial". NBC News. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
  4. ^ Dave, Thomas (June 30, 2021). "Here's the lawyer who got Bill Cosby's conviction tossed". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  5. ^ A, Aron (2022-07-07). "Larry Hoover Renounces The Gangster Disciples In Rare Public Comment". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  6. ^ "Federal judge denies sentencing break to Larry Hoover, 'one of the most notorious criminals in Illinois history'". Chicago Sun-Times. 2021-07-06. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  7. ^ Gavin, Robert (7 January 2021). "NXIVM leader Keith Raniere's new lawyer worked for Bill Cosby". Times Union. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  8. ^ Jacobs, Julia; Chiarito, Robert (2022-09-14). "R. Kelly Convicted in Sex Abuse Case Involving Videos of a Teenage Girl". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  9. ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (2023-05-01). "Harvey Weinstein Hires Bill Cosby's Lawyer to Appeal L.A. Conviction". Variety. Retrieved 2024-07-10.