Oscar Pistorius, on trial for the Valentine’s Day shooting death of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, reportedly took acting lessons before he took the stand and gave teary-eyed testimony aimed at proving he acted in self-defense rather than in murderous rage.
Well-known South African journalist Jani Allan made the shocking claim in a recent South African Sunday Times report, claiming a “close friend” — identified as a famous actor — indicated that he coached the former Olympian medalist, who then went on to give sobbing testimony.
“I have it from a reliable source that you are taking acting lessons for your days in court,” Ms. Allan wrote in a letter to Mr. Pistorius that she posted on her blog. “Your coach has an impossible task.”
Ms. Allan, 60, also suggested that Mr. Pistorius deserved an Academy Award, the New York Daily News reported.
“Oscar, you are the latest in a long line of faux heroes,” she wrote, from her New Jersey residence. “Like so many, you have betrayed your people and disappointed your fans.”
Ms. Steenkamp’s mother, meanwhile, has also questioned whether Mr. Pistorius has been sincere while giving testimony, the New York Daily News said.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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