Sumner Redstone will be made to testify in the trial over his mental competency, a California judge ruled on Monday.
The 92-year-old will not be questioned in court, but a videotaped interview will be conducted in his home. No family members will be present, but a speech therapist will serve as interpreter. Each side will have 15 minutes, with the video will be shown in a closed courtroom.
“It is essential that the court see and hear from Redstone himself to make a fully informed decision,” Judge Cowan said, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The case revolves around the decision to remove Redstone’s former companion Manuela Herzer from the media mogul’s home and as an agent in his healthcare. Herzer argues that Redstone was mentally incompetent at the time the decision was made.
Herzer’s lawyers had previously requested that Redstone be compelled to testify in the trial, which begins May 6.
“This is another positive development in Manuela’s determined effort to protect her beloved friend and confidante of 17 years,” Herzer’s attorney Pierce O’Donnell said in a statement. “The evidence at trial will show that Sumner Redstone was not of sound mind and did not act with a free will when he was competent and not preyed upon those who are supposed to safeguard his welfare, Redstone wanted Manuela to be the person who cared for him the rest of his life.”
“We appreciate the Court’s continued protection of Mr. Redstone’s privacy and dignity,” said Redstone’s attorney, Gabrielle Vidal.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.