Apple Requests For Ebook Monitor To Be Remove Over “Wholly Inappropriate” Statement

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is reporting that the relationship between Apple and Mr. Michael Bromwich has taken a turn for the worst. Mr. Bromwich was controversially chosen by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote, to monitor the company’s e-book pricing reform after they were found guilty of price fixing. Mr. Michael Bromwich had  filed a statement in  Manhattan federal court on 30th December 2013, stating that he’s been largely cut off from top executives at Apple, who argued that his investigation was interfering with their business operations.

On Tuesday, Apple has asked a federal judge to remove Mr. Bromwich from the case, citing a “wholly inappropriate” statement he recently filed with the court. The company said that the statement was inappropriate for a supposedly “impartial monitor.” Lawyers for the company also drew attention once more to Mr. Bromwich’s fees, saying they are not “reasonable and customary.”

In addition, the Cupertino-based company is asking for Mr. Bromwich to be removed from his position due to his “financial demands, and his adversarial, inquisitorial, and prosecutorial communications and activities toward Apple since his appointment,” the WSJ said.

“[Mr. Bromwich’s] proposed fee structure creates a personal financial interest in as broad and lengthy an investigation as possible,” the lawyers wrote in a three-page letter to Judge Cote.

The WSJ report stated that the Justice Department has already ruled that Mr. Bromwich’s position is justify and removing him would go against the “public’s interested in preventing further antitrust violations by Apple.”

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