Schwarzenegger Demands Extra Security After Lawyer's Instagram Post

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s legal team has asked a Los Angeles judge to increase courthouse security for an upcoming October hearing in the Superior Court. The motion follows a social‑media post by Gary Dordick, the attorney representing Cheryl Augustine, who claims Schwarzenegger was reckless in a 2022 car crash.

Dordick’s Instagram image featured him dressed as the Terminator, holding a gun and posting “I’ll be back” while referencing an upcoming October court hearing.

The request stems from concerns that Dordick’s post effectively advertises Schwarzenegger’s appearance to the public.

The attorneys argue that the post “tells any one of Instagram’s three billion active users the date, time, street address, department number, and expected duration of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s attendance at trial in a public courthouse.” They added that the post is an advertisement for the appearance of one of the most recognizable people in the world at a fixed place and time, published five weeks in advance, by a person who has no responsibility for what happens when the audience shows up.

## Legal Motions and Social Media Clash

The motion seeks to “bulk up court security” for the hearing, . Schwarzenegger’s lawyers argue that the public nature of Dordick’s Instagram post could lead to a crowd gathering at the courthouse before proceedings begin. The attorneys’ brief stresses that the post, made weeks ahead of time, could incite an unplanned audience to attend.

They contend that heightened security is necessary to protect both the defendant and courtroom staff from possible disruptions or safety concerns.

In court documents obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Schwarzenegger’s team highlighted how the post “tells any one of Instagram’s three billion active users the date, time, street address, department number, and expected duration of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s attendance at trial in a public courthouse.” They view the post as a public announcement that could attract an undesired crowd.

The legal brief also notes that Dordick’s post “is an advertisement for the appearance of one of the most recognizable people in the world at a fixed place and time, published five weeks in advance, by a person who has no responsibility for what happens when the audience shows up.”

## Background of the 2022 Crash

Cheryl Augustine is suing Schwarzenegger over a 2022 collision that left her with serious injuries. Augustine alleges that Schwarzenegger was “wrongfully and recklessly” driving at the time of the crash.

Dordick has described how Augustine “still lives with the permanent effects—ongoing orthopedic and neurological problems, and profound changes to her personality and to her closest relationships.” The lawsuit claims that the defendant’s conduct directly caused lasting harm, leading to the current legal dispute.

The case centers on whether Schwarzenegger’s driving behavior at the time of the crash constituted negligence. The lawsuit seeks damages for Augustine’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. Both sides have filed extensive pre‑trial documents, with the hearing scheduled for October.

The court has yet to decide on the security request.