Senator Bob Menendez shared the heartbreaking news that his wife, Nadine Menendez, is currently battling breast cancer. This revelation came just a day after he publicly held her responsible for the criminal bribery charges he is currently facing.
In a statement released on Thursday, the New Jersey lawmaker addressed the constant press inquiries and reporters following his wife. He revealed that his wife, Nadine, is battling Grade 3 breast cancer and will undergo mastectomy surgery.
“We are naturally worried about the severity and advanced stage of the illness,” he expressed. “She will need additional surgery and potentially radiation therapy. Our hopes and prayers are with her for the most favorable outcomes.”
Mr. Menendez, along with his wife and three individuals from New Jersey – Wael Hana, Fred Daibes, and Jose Uribe – faced charges in September 2023. The indictment alleged that the couple had engaged in a scheme where they accepted gold bars, large sums of cash, and even a payment for a Mercedes convertible in return for Mr. Menendez’s political influence.
Earlier this year, Ms. Menendez filed a request to have a separate trial from her husband and the New Jersey businessmen. In her court filings, she cited a serious medical condition. It is expected that she will face trial later this summer.
According to prosecutors, the lawmaker’s actions ultimately favored the Egyptian and Qatari governments. The 70-year-old Democrat is currently facing 16 federal charges, which include bribery, acting as a foreign agent, obstruction of justice, and extortion. Despite the charges, he maintains his innocence and denies any wrongdoing.
During the opening statements at Menendez’s trial on Wednesday, his defense attorney placed the blame on his wife for accepting gold bars and cash payments and keeping them hidden from him. Avi Weitzman emphasized to the jury that the senator had no knowledge of the gold bars and cash, which were discovered at his New Jersey residence in June 2022.
According to the lawyer’s argument, it was the lawyer’s wife who accepted the extravagant bribes, concealed them from her husband, and subsequently acted as a intermediary between the senator, his co-defendants, and Egyptian officials.
According to Mr. Weitzman, Ms. Menendez leads a separate life from her husband and has kept the gold bars locked in her closet. He urged the jury to consider the question, “Where’s Bob?” while listening to the trial. To emphasize his point, he even showed the jury an image of the comic book character, Waldo, from the popular book series “Where’s Waldo?”
Menendez, Mr. Daibes, a real estate developer, and Mr. Hana, a businessman, are currently standing trial. Both Mr. Daibes and Mr. Hana have pleaded not guilty, while Mr. Uribe has already reached a plea deal. The trial is projected to span a period of six to seven weeks.
