Former federal prosecutor accuses ex-Fatburger CEO of damaging reputation through White House defamation
The ex-CEO of Fat Brands, Andrew Wiederhorn, once a Trump supporter, now finds himself in fresh waters. A formerly fired federal prosecutor, Adam Schleifer, has claimed that he lost his job due to smear campaigns orchestrated by Wiederhorn, which made their way all the way up to the White House.
Schleifer, in a recent filing, alleged that his dismissal from the U.S. Attorney's office in Los Angeles was unlawful, citing it was motivated in part by his involvement in the investigation of Wiederhorn. The latest claim comes after Schleifer received a one-line email, sent to him "on behalf of President Trump," notifying him of his termination.
Interestingly, Schleifer had been vocal in his criticism of Trump in previous years and was employed as a prosecutor. His firing, first reported by The Times, coincided with a public call for his dismissal by right-wing activist Laura Loomer, with Schleifer citing this timeline in his filing.
Andrew Wiederhorn, originally from Portland, Oregon, is no stranger to controversy. Previously, Wiederhorn has been indicted on federal charges of a $47-million "sham loan" scheme and possessing firearms, to which he has pleaded not guilty. In the 2000s, the company began investigating Wiederhorn for taking out shareholder loans without intending to repay them. Despite the evidence, Wiederhorn's attorneys claimed that he relied on two different tax advisors, and lacked the requisite intent to defraud.
Wiederhorn's journey with Fat Brands began in 2000 when Magic Johnson took an interest in Fatburger, and Fog Cutter helped finance the change of ownership. Wiederhorn bought a controlling stake three years later for $7 million. Wiederhorn ran into legal troubles in the early 2000s, pleading guilty to charges of paying an illegal gratuity to his associate and filing a false tax return. However, upon his release from prison, Wiederhorn became CEO of Fatburger and went on a PR campaign to restore his reputation.
In 2023, Wiederhorn resigned as CEO, framing it as a means to eliminate distractions from the ongoing federal probe. The recent indictment against Wiederhorn alleges that he used company money disbursed as "shareholder loans" for personal benefits, such as private-jet travel, ski trips, luxury automobiles, a jewelry collection, a baby grand piano, and more. Wiederhorn's defense team has claimed the gun belonged to one of his sons, which was found during a raid on his home in December 2021.
In the current climate, the case of Andrew Wiederhorn demonstrates how power, influence, and personal expediency can intertwine in complex ways. As the story unfolds, we will likely witness more twists and turns as Wiederhorn faces a trial scheduled for October 2025.
- The government is now investigating the ex-CEO of Fat Brands, Andrew Wiederhorn, for a $47-million "sham loan" scheme and possessing firearms.
- Adam Schleifer, a formerly fired federal prosecutor, has alleged that his dismissal from the U.S. Attorney's office in Los Angeles was unlawful, citing it was motivated in part by his involvement in the investigation of Wiederhorn.
- Schleifer's filing claims his dismissal coincided with a public call for his dismissal by right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who is known for her criticism of Trump and his administration.
- Wiederhorn, originally from Portland, Oregon, gained control of Fatburger in 2003 after Magic Johnson took an interest and Fog Cutter financed the change of ownership.
- Despite evidence against him in the 2000s, Wiederhorn's attorneys claimed he lacked the intent to defraud and relied on two different tax advisors during the period in question.
- In 2023, Wiederhorn resigned as CEO of Fatburger amidst an ongoing federal probe, citing it as a means to eliminate distractions.
- The recent indictment against Wiederhorn alleges that he used company money for personal benefits, such as luxury cars, private-jet travel, and a jewelry collection.
- Hollywood's general news and crime-and-justice genre often cover stories about narcissistic figures like Wiederhorn who find themselves embroiled in million-dollar scandals.
- As the story of Andrew Wiederhorn unfolds, one cannot help but notice the intricate blend of politics, business, and personal expediency that keeps it entertaining yet troubling.
- In October 2025, the trial of Andrew Wiederhorn is scheduled to take place, promising a significant milestone in the realm of entertainment, finance, and justice in Los Angeles, California.
