Ex-Boyfriend Testifies in Defamation Suit Over "Shadow of Truth" Series

A court heard testimony Tuesday in a defamation lawsuit filed by Ola Krebchenko against the creators of the documentary series "Shadow of Truth." Krebchenko is suing producers Ari Pines, Yotam Gendelman, "Bitzat Ein Productions," and attorney Yarom Halevy, who represented Roman Zadorov, alleging negligence, copyright infringement, and violation of moral rights. The lawsuit stems from publications linking Krebchenko to the Tair Rada murder case.

During the proceedings, Krebchenko's ex-boyfriend, Adir Havani, took the stand. When questioned about a complaint he filed citing "danger to his life," Havani stated, "I still fear for my life. It's under investigation." He denied claims that he conducted a "counter-investigation" against Krebchenko to maintain control over her.

Havani admitted to posting private messages from their breakup on Telegram. He acknowledged that Krebchenko's messages showed attempts at reconciliation, even admitting to lying to avoid hurting him, while he described her as manipulative. The attorney presented exchanges where Krebchenko accused Havani of assault, including hitting her head against a wall and rape allegations in Katzrin. Havani admitted to the wall incident but claimed it wasn't as she described. He denied the rape allegation, stating their relationship involved mutual violence and power struggles, though he conceded one instance in 2007 where he understood her "no" to mean "no."

The attorney also confronted Havani with a statement from the retrial of Roman Zadorov, where Havani allegedly admitted to having a behavioral disorder with narcissistic traits, including threatening others and lying. Havani denied this admission, stating it was merely what was written in a "version." The attorney suggested Havani's actions were motivated by jealousy over Krebchenko being with other men, an accusation Havani denied, though he admitted to being hurt by the breakup.