Senator Bob Menendez has disclosed that his wife, Nadine Menendez, is currently battling breast cancer. This announcement comes just a day after he placed blame on her for the criminal bribery charges he is currently facing.
In a statement released on Thursday, the New Jersey lawmaker addressed the persistent press inquiries and reporters constantly following his wife. He revealed that his wife, Nadine, is currently battling Grade 3 breast cancer and will need to undergo a mastectomy surgery.
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“We are naturally worried about the severity and advanced stage of the illness,” he said earnestly. “She will need further surgery and may also require radiation therapy. Our hopes and prayers are 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 indictments in September 2023. They were accused of participating in a scheme where the couple accepted gold bars, large amounts of cash, and a payment for a Mercedes convertible. These were all allegedly given in exchange 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 court filings, she cited a serious medical condition. Her trial is scheduled to take place later this summer.
The lawmaker’s actions ultimately favored the Egyptian and Qatari governments, as per prosecutors. The 70-year-old Democrat is currently facing 16 federal charges, including bribery, acting as a foreign agent, obstruction of justice, and extortion. He has pleaded not guilty and vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
During the opening statements at his trial on Wednesday, Menendez’s defense attorney shifted the blame onto his wife, accusing her of accepting gold bars and cash payments, and subsequently hiding them from him. Avi Weitzman, the attorney, emphasized that the senator had no knowledge of the gold bars and cash that were discovered in his New Jersey home 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 acted as a intermediary between the senator, his co-defendants, and Egyptian officials.
According to Mr. Weitzman, it was emphasized that Ms. Menendez leads a separate life from her husband and that she kept the gold bars locked in her closet. He urged the jurors to ponder the question, “Where’s Bob?” as they listened to the trial, illustrating his point with an image of the famous comic book character, Where’s Waldo.
Menendez, along with real estate developer Mr. Daibes and businessman Mr. Hana, is currently on trial. All three individuals have pleaded not guilty, while Mr. Uribe has already taken a plea deal. The trial is expected to span six to seven weeks.
