Attorneys for Arnold Schwarzenegger have requested a Los Angeles judge implement heightened security measures for a forthcoming court appearance where the former actor and politician is slated to provide testimony. The request stems from a social media post by opposing counsel that featured a mock-movie advertisement in the style of Schwarzenegger’s iconic "Terminator" films.
Gary A. Dordick, the lawyer for plaintiff Cheryl Augustine, posted an image that included a description and photo of the 2022 incident central to the case, alongside the specific time, date, and location of the impending court date. The advertisement also depicted Dordick himself dressed as the Terminator, complete with signature shades and a leather jacket.
In response, attorneys representing Schwarzenegger, who is 79, are seeking comprehensive security protocols from court officials and law enforcement. Their requests include disallowing photography, video, or audio recording within the courtroom, and strictly limiting who is permitted to attend the proceedings.
A legal filing obtained by The Times underscores the concern, arguing that Dordick’s post "tells any one of Instagram’s three billion active users the date, time, street address, department number, and expected duration of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s attendance at trial in a public courthouse." While the filing acknowledges that this information is already publicly accessible, it contends that the post "goes further, through a ubiquitous medium that does not call for a citizen to navigate the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s website."
The filing further notes that the post "identifies Governor Schwarzenegger as the first witness." It concludes its assessment by stating, "Whatever else may be said about the post, it is an advertisement for the appearance of one of the most recognizable people in the world at a fixed place and time, published five weeks in advance, by a person who has no responsibility for what happens when the audience shows up."
The trial in Beverly Hills Superior Court is set to determine the compensation for Cheryl Augustine. She claims she sustained significant, life-altering injuries in a 2022 four-vehicle traffic accident, alleging Schwarzenegger’s reckless driving was the cause. The incident occurred at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Allenford Avenue, where Augustine's Toyota Prius, a Porsche, and another Toyota were struck by Schwarzenegger’s SUV after it reportedly sped through a left turn. At the time of the accident, Los Angeles police reported that paramedics transported a woman suffering from a head abrasion to the hospital.
Schwarzenegger has admitted his negligence in the accident but disputes the specific amount of damages Augustine is requesting. When the lawsuit was filed in 2023, Augustine was reportedly seeking damages along with all medical and incidental expenses.
This is not the only recent traffic-related lawsuit involving the former governor. In 2023, Joanne Flickinger sued Schwarzenegger, alleging negligent driving led to a biking accident that resulted in substantial medical bills. That suit, which was reviewed by The Times, claims that on February 5, 2023, Schwarzenegger was operating his GMC Yukon "with excessive speed and failed to keep a proper lookout" on San Vicente Boulevard when his vehicle struck Flickinger. The lawsuit further alleges that Flickinger’s injuries are "permanent."