Gloria Allred: Inside Italian Justice…!
Gloria Allred, Seeking Italian Justice, More magazine
By Art Harris, The Bald Truth, (c) www.artharris.com, all rights reserved
It’s 7 AM on the last Friday in September, 2006 when the gray Lancia rolls down Via Sistina and pulls up to the five-star Inter Continental hotel. Rome is waking up to the aroma of rich espresso laced with exhaust fumes, and to the furies of an American feminist lawyer on a mission.
Gloria Allred has come to Italy to make sure an accused killer doesn’t walk, and to single-handedly show her two grandchildren a real Roman adventure. “I don’t do nannies,” she says with a sniff. “Never did.”
While the teenagers sleep off jet lag, Allred’s off to see the prosecutor, a translator named Rosella in tow–and me, tagging along for a trans-Atlantic joyride with Lady Justice, aka Gloria, an old friend I was then assigned to profile for MORE magazine. Only now she has a Tiger in her tank, representing an alleged mistress of the golf superstar, Rachel Uchitel. And with Friday’s stunning Amanda Knox guilty verdict, Allred can’t be surprised, not after our run-in with double standard Italian justice.
Gloria Allred, granchildren, tour Rome
When we fly into Rome, Italian journalists are on strike, but she’s camera-ready, just in case: elegant in a power red (of course) St. John suit, black turtleneck, gold necklace, matching earrings and frog brooch.
“People think of me as the court of last resort,” she says matter-of-factly. “They say, ‘When all else fails, call Gloria Allred.’ ”
She’s not joking. Allred’s law practice is booming, along with her notoriety, due in no small part to her willingness to suit up and show up whenever a TV producer calls.
This flair for high drama keeps her name in lights and firm’s coffers filled, allowing Allred to indulge her passion for avenging injustice — especially against women and minorities.
From truck drivers to movie stars to belly dancers, secretaries, prostitutes, people with AIDS, factory workers and television executives, and now, possibly scorned pro golf nymphettes, they all seek solace from Gloria. Her powerful Los Angeles–based firm, Allred, Maroko & Goldberg, specializes in family and employment law.
Even right-wing stalwarts—no names, please—eat crow to recruit the ultra-liberal former National Organization for Women chapter president when their husbands betray them. “And I’m happy to help,” she says with a smile.
“Avanti!” exclaims her driver, Enrico, weaving around wimpy Vespas as he roars off toward the Palace of Justice. At last, after seven years of pressing Italian prosecutors to file murder charges against the man who allegedly killed his American girlfriend, Toni Dykstra, during a custody dispute, it’s showtime: the preliminary hearing for Carlo Ventre. And Allred aims not only to be there, but to make sure he knows she’s on his case.
“Seven years is a long time, but it’s not so long in Italy,” remarks Rosella, shrugging at Allred’s five transatlantic treks on behalf of Dykstra’s grieving family, to right a terrible wrong. The 29-year-old paralegal and single mother of three died at her ex’s apartment when she came to Rome in 1998 to retrieve her kidnapped two year-old daughter, Santina.
Allred intends to hand over files proving Dykstra had warned American authorities that Ventre, a balding, 57-year-old plumbing supplies salesman she once lived with, had threatened to kill her long before their fatal encounter. (He denies this and says she died accidentally during a fall when attacking him.) An Italian judge at the time said there wasn’t enough evidence to bring charges.
Five months passed before Dykstra’s body was released to her family in California, and more than a year before Allred, with an FBI agent as escort, was allowed to fly Santina back to Dykstra’s father and stepmother in the States. “It’s such an outrage,” Allred says. “Toni would be alive today if the system hadn’t failed her.”
“She’s vicious,” spits Carlo Ventre, who calls his antagonist a grandstanding “devil lawyer. All she cares about is money and publicity!”
IF ITALIANS ARE FROM VENUS, Gloria is from Mars.
gloria allred more pdf
CLICK TO READ REST OF MY GLORIA PROFILE:
PHOTOS OF THE TRIP COMING SOON…
More magazine cover with Gloria Allred profile
Gloria Allred, grandchildren in Rome
December 5th, 2009 at 1:07 am
Gloria Allred is a very stunning woman and role model for all.
Thank you for sharing this interesting article Art.
December 5th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Did you go to the trial?
December 5th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Yep, I obviously cam back and ‘jumped the gun.’
Silly, me.
Always too, anxious.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Great photo of you, Gloria and her grandchildren, Art…Nice article too!
December 7th, 2009 at 12:07 am
I never did ‘nannies,’ neither…
lol
December 7th, 2009 at 12:09 am
But when Michael Jackson was dangling that ‘realistic’ almost human-looking baby over the side of that balcony…
December 7th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Gee, wonder who paid for this trip?
CNN of course, no doubt…
If only they’d been paying their taxes over these past ‘some odd’ past years.
Maybe we wouldn’t be feelin’ “The Clinton’s” pain now, so much.
Bah Humbug.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
The Clintons and CNN and ‘back tax.’
LOL
December 7th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
In other words, Americans abroad can do no wrong. In other words, there is no justice except under the American system. In other words, when an American is in another country, the American is under no obligation to obey that country’s laws and will not be accountable to that country’s legal system. In other words, Americans are under no obligation to respect anyone or any system of government.
Sorry, Art, but you just lost all credibility with me.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Oh, come now ‘oldarkie!’
What better place to come to, to get ‘a comment’ in edgewise.
December 7th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I can not stand Gloria Allred she is always sticking her nose in everything just to stay in the lime light. And yes oldarkie if we go abroad we should obey there laws thank you for making a point all frieda does is ramble and make no since what the hell does Michael Jackson have to do with anything the man is dead leave him alone his family has suffered enough.
December 7th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Happy to hear you never did “nannies”, Freida. That would make you kinda quirky, wouldn’t it?
December 8th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I don’t agree with the Italian justice either. The Knox girl is probably as innocent as a new born babe but the media convicted her and they are no worse than our media here our media gets a hold on one person and its like a bunch of wild dogs after one bone. How many innocent people have gone to prison here not by evidence or confession or eye witness but simply because they were playing around on facebook or my space, or went to a bar or had an affair. Look what we are doing to Tiger Woods and there is not even a murder or missing child involved, it is a rating race with the media. Gloria has had her share of chewing on the bone but she seems selfish enough to be able to sleep at night.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Respectfully, this message is in reference to opinions aired by “oldarkie”. Multiple things which you have stated are true. I have lived over the pond(s) and your remarks are spot on regarding following the rules and regulations of your host country–and if you’ll forgive me for the unintended pun, when in Rome, do as the Romans.
With respect to Gloria Allred, her biography is very interesting. I greatly admire her for being able to pull herself up by her boot straps and pursue her life as she has. Ms. Allred has done plenty without the bright lights shining. The devotion she has for helping women, and the underdogs to to be praised. I wish I had her spirit!!
The one thing which hurt was seeing that you feel Mr. Harris has lost all credibility in your eyes. With this blog, Mr. Harris is very casual with respect to his writing style. He is able to share his unique experiences, his life, his truths. I hope you will not harbor any ill feelings towards me for being so blunt. Your point is very well taken. This particular topic may not be your cup of tea–take heart, Mr. Harris is very well rounded, and perhaps, the next blog will reinstate Mr. Harris’s credibility (for you).
“Oldarkie”, please, do take good care of yourself. I wish you only the best–see you at the next blog.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Great Article Art. Have a Happy Holiday
December 10th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Does she only wear red on Fridays?
December 12th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Definitely ‘stunning’ reminds me…why in the world doesn’t ‘law enforcement’ and ‘soldiers’ use ‘stun guns’…might be a good use for ‘drugs.’
I’ve thought of more songs!
But, I’m tired…done been through ‘the technological revolution’ and see no end in sight (not even in 2012).
I don’t believe that ‘the industrial revolution’ will just blow away either.
So ‘moderation’ is definitely ‘the low key.’
That Christmas song was just playing on the “Hallmark” channel…
Now that reminds me of scents…and all those movie stars selling pretty bottles.
December 12th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
BINGO or MONOPOLY anyone?…
http://stanleybing.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/12/18/the-confidence-garden/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vvRN09HZ_4
December 13th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Yep, there the AP go…’the associated’ journalists of ‘Press.’
For the most part “The News” is de-press-ing.
December 13th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I would kinda’ sorta’ like to read the story about Stephen King but I don’t want to give them a ‘hit’…’cause then I’d get real tired of ‘all that’ plastered all over the place.
Reminds me of me (LOL).
December 13th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
A little good news goes a long, long way. Like reading about Kannapolis today.
Bet they had a financial plan, though…and really could have cared less about the people of ‘that community,’ just the bottom line.
They bought a factory of workers and out-of-date machinery not to mention ‘the housing’ (or building) which ‘they’ probably knew they would eventually blow-up.
I guess!
December 13th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I’d like to become a member of the ‘hysterical’ society.
Now I’m gonna’ go look that up, ’cause I’m sure it’s right here on this ‘WEB.’
December 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I’m sorry, Art…but it’s just ’cause you’re ‘all that’ and I’m not…really sorry that is.
http://hystericalsociety.com/
December 13th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I’m a moth drawn into this heat “lights in a tube in a box.”
Eventually I will burn out.
December 13th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
“Reality News”
So, are you retiring Art?
Is that ‘the truth?’
So, at least tell US before you take your leave of absence who’s left in charge.
December 13th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Now the ‘top (AP) on-one headline’ reads like something you wrote.
December 14th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
We all say and write (if we learn to) things we regret…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMAGwMAXTpU
December 14th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Except possibly, maybe for Art and John!
Oh, mighty conscience come 4th…comfort.
The Lady in Red can even wear that ‘color’ lipstick without looking cheap.
December 14th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Please update your site. I’m tired of reading about Gloria All red.
December 14th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
“Year of the Tiger”
LOL
Hefner should be ashamed of his estate…not because of anything else, but because he had a ‘clue’ and his name was Daniel.
You can plaster walls with print-media…and naked bodies and even sex…but it takes a better man to enlighten and give what you’ve got to a little boy or girl and teach them what you know.
December 15th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
You know ‘The News’ FOR THE THE MOST PART these days is manufactured to keep ‘Mouths’ and ‘ADVERTISING’ moving.
December 16th, 2009 at 12:58 am
Every additional ‘floor’ to some ‘skyrise’ should pay ‘property tax’ for the ‘air’…
Reminds me of banks and those twin towers.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:09 am
Guess a lot of ‘high’ society got a nice vacation TALKING
’bout “Global Warming”…
ALL THAT BREATH, BURNING PRECIOUS OXYGEN!!!
December 16th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Hey, since we’re talkin’ ‘red’ here…might be a good time to get real simple about ‘goin’ green’….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangrene
BLOOD carries OXYGEN…
And guess what HUMAN POPULATION does?
So, maybe there’s hope after all.
Except for all the ‘things’ we ‘dredge up’…
BETWEEN DREDGE AND BECK…YOU’D THINK THIS EARTH HAS NO HOPE.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:31 am
I meant DRUDGE, of course!!!
AP at large!
December 16th, 2009 at 1:40 am
So, tell me what exactly I’m supposed to believe.
That ‘those war criminals’ held in ‘that bay’ are now going to go to trials to support a bunch of over-educated idiot lawyers in the ‘windy city’ from wince makes me feel a little queezy (haha), that our dear el’president-A….once…
Well, I really can’t actually call it ‘work.’
And although some would rather think!
EXACTLY…don’t take much ‘muscle’ to do what they’re doin’.
(Darn period left outside all-alone just doesn’t seem or look right.)
And ‘they’ call it JUSTICE!!!
BAH HUMBUG.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:46 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Justice
December 16th, 2009 at 1:49 am
Now I lay me down to sleep and I’ll pray for forgiveness.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:57 am
As usual, I wasn’t quite ‘done’ yet…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgiveness
“MIGHT” eventually be the vary thing that makes America GREAT….reminds me of ‘Tony!’
December 16th, 2009 at 1:58 am
“Sugar Frosted Flakes”
December 16th, 2009 at 2:18 am
It’s nice to share!
December 17th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
i have lost all Respect for Gloria Allred with this tiger wood thing those women deserves nothing but public shame.
December 18th, 2009 at 12:54 am
Now a darn Bengel (sp?) even jumped off a truck!
December 21st, 2009 at 12:43 am
Totally agree with Ann’s comment.These Tiger Wood women coming out of the woodwork disgust me.They give these interviews as if we are suppose to feel sorry for them.I think they are nothing but sleezy pigs,looking for a payout plain and simple.Gloria start representing woman that truly need your help,not these reality women want to be’s!!!!
December 21st, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Tiger Woods…last name kinda’ rung a bell!!!
Reminds me of a ‘familiar’ ‘link’…talkin’ ’bout ‘fairways.’
Saw him bouncing a golf ball on an iron…and reminded me of “The Globe Trotters.”
LOL
December 21st, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Since you are “All That,” gosh darned famous…
http://www.mortonsalt.com/saltfacts/salt_prodproc.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vvRN09HZ_4
Clean, pure, industrialized…
Of course, soup in a can used to be ‘good good.’
Eventually we end up eating our waste.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 am
Art,
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and a happy, healthy, properous New Year! Thanks for the great reporting in ’09.
Mary
Texas
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
You know I’ve been accused of dwelling on the past…
And, there the AP go again!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Must be a slow day…or rather…an easy day for ‘The News.’
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Ok,Ok Ok, Enough with Gloria Allred – Allready – Lets get Back to Haleigh, It’s Almost Christmas, And she is Still Missing, And No New News!!!!! Whats going on here!!!.
This Allred hasn’t changed for quite a few weeks now.
Get Back To Haleigh!!!
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
How’s that “Vegas Bail” reality series coming along?
How soon, is soon?
December 25th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I mostly await.
December 26th, 2009 at 10:06 am
ENOUGH of the Gloria Alred….What about Haleigh?????? Anything new?? Christmas with a missing child…How sad…
December 27th, 2009 at 10:31 am
What???? No “Merry Christmas” wish from Art Harris?
Shame! Shame! Shame!
December 29th, 2009 at 2:59 am
Gloria is probably ‘the oldest’ or ‘an only’ child.
January 20th, 2010 at 3:45 am
Maria and all–
A belated Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year to all my loyal readers…let’s hope and pray for Haleigh to be found and the kidnapper(s) brought to justice. Art
January 20th, 2010 at 3:49 am
Mary–Many thanks for all your support, and the support of all our readers who get what we are trying to do. I appreciate each and every one of you. So much. Art
January 27th, 2010 at 3:15 am
Merry Christmas…(mumbo jumbo, bah humbug, under my breath).
But when Michael Jackson was dangling that ‘realistic’ almost human-looking baby over the side of that balcony…
January 27th, 2010 at 3:16 am
It’s a secret that no one’s supposed to know!
January 27th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Freida:
We’re optimistic about Vegas Bail…Fingers crossed. Thanks for asking…Keep you posted. Art
January 29th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Who will be playing the drums?
February 9th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Gloria truly makes me sick. I know this is older news but just had to comment. Whatever nut would take a case because a porn’s face was on a golf ball baffles me…so sick of hearing WAR ON WOMEN. A company was trying to make a buck and if this porney wants her face off a golf ball, she should not have gone with a married man so she deserves exposure. Yes, women, this slut knew he was married and makes her as equal as a cheater as Tiger Woods regardless of who signed the marriage license. If a person is aware of a marriage and sleeps with this person, they are also an adulter/adulteress!!! Read your Bible folks. Such a silly waste of time. I could not believe this well know attorney, Gloria, would even take such a case; showing the gulf club smashing her face on a golf ball. That’s wanting some kind of attention. The only law suit I can see that needs to take place is Tiger’s wife sueing all these tramps…bottom line!!!