Fani Willis speaks out after claims of improper relationship

Without using his name, Willis praised Nathan Wade as a great friend and called him a "legal superstar."

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is defending her choice for one of the special prosecutors in the election subversion case against Donald Trump, following unsubstantiated claims that the two had an “improper” relationship.

During a service celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy at Atlanta's Big Bethel AME Church on Sunday, Willis publicly spoke for the first time since the claims were levied against her by a defendant in a court filing last week. 

Without using his name, Willis praised Nathan Wade as a great friend and called him a “legal superstar," but she didn’t outright confirm or deny any romantic involvement. She also said the attacks are racially motivated and pointed out that Wade is black; the other two prosecutors, also chosen by Willis, are White.

“I am a little confused. I appointed three special counsel, which is my right to do. Paid them all the same hourly rate. They only attack one," Willis said. “Why are they surprised that a diverse team that I have assembled can accomplish an extraordinary thing?"

The claims were made in court documents filed by former Trump campaign operative Michael Roman, who alleges Wade was hired by Willis to join her team after the two had become romantically involved. He alleges Willis and Wade took multiple vacations together on trips he paid for. Roman is seeking to have his own election-related charges dismissed in Georgia.