Drew Brees testifies against jeweler over $6M dispute
Drew Brees testified in San Diego Superior Court on Thursday in a civil lawsuit against Vihad Moradi of CJ Charles jewelers, who the New Orleans Saints quarterback claims defrauded him out of $6 million, according to Morgan Cook of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Brees and his wife Brittany purchased $15 million worth of diamond jewelry from Moradi and CJ Charles, however, the couple later learned from another jeweler that the diamonds were only worth $9 million.
Drew Brees took the stand yesterday at the trial where he is suing a jeweler for buying two pieces of jewelry for $15M that were later appraised to being worth half as much. He is seeking $7M. pic.twitter.com/LsEdEs8YU5
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 7, 2019
The jeweler denied the allegations. A statement from Moradi's attorney said he did not deceive the couple and acted within industry norms when he presented and sold the jewelry, according to Cook.
Brees' attorney Rebecca Riley said during her opening statement that Moradi had agreed to find and buy the stones for them as an investment rather than act as a typical retail jeweler.
"Much like a real estate transaction where the broker, the agent, is paid by the seller, that was Drew’s understanding of what was going to happen and that’s what Mr. Moradi told him was going to happen," Riley said. "What you will learn is that Mr. Moradi was lying."
Brees testified he was repeatedly told by Moradi that the diamonds were investments, and he trusted the jeweler as a friend.
Thursday marked the first day of the trial. It resumes Monday.