GrayRobinson shareholder Brian Bieber and his family pose for a picture with actor and comedian Hannibal Buress, following Buress’ set at Miami’s Olympia Theater on Aug. 10, 2019. Courtesy photo

GrayRobinson Miami shareholder Brian Bieber wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary when he entered Miami’s Olympia Theater on Saturday night.

Joined by his wife and two children, Bieber and his family were guests of actor and comedian Hannibal Buress, who was hosting the first of two taped performances at the venue that evening.

Buress, who’s best known for his stand-up comedy and his breakthrough roles in “Broad City” and “The Eric Andre Show,” had met the Miami attorney under much more serious circumstance. He had retained Bieber as counsel after being arrested for disorderly intoxication during the 2017 Art Basel Miami Beach.

Bieber succeeded in having the charges dismissed in February 2018 but wasn’t expecting Buress to return the favor with a very public endorsement.

“Frankly, I had no idea he incorporated me personally into his act, and certainly not to the extent to which he did,” Bieber said.

The attorney — who noted Buress “repeatedly expressed his gratitude” for Bieber’s services and “nonchalantly” invited him to the show — was not only mentioned by name during the comedian’s closing routine, but also had his picture projected for all of the Olympia’s near 1,500-person-strong crowd to see.

“It’s extremely flattering to be publicly acknowledged by a well-known comedian, especially with your wife and kids sitting next to you,” Bieber said.

GrayRobinson shareholder Brian Bieber receives a shout-out from his client Hannibal Buress at Miami’s Olympia Theater on Aug. 10, 2019. Photo: Zach Schlein/ALM

Bieber’s name was dropped during Buress’ final bit, which saw the comedian recount the circumstances surrounding his arrest. The incident purportedly began after Buress’ phone died, prompting him to offer money to Miami Police Officer Luis Verne to call the comedian an Uber. Verne not only refused the request but detained the comedian in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. The officer’s body camera footage showed Buress saying, “This cop is stupid as f**k,” which Verne must not have found funny, because he later placed the comedian under arrest.

Bieber, who has represented actor Tony Danza and Miami rapper Lil Pump, said Los Angeles-based entertainment attorneys who were familiar with his work referred Buress to him.

“He called me immediately within days of his arrest,” Bieber said, adding Buress “was serious about having the matter resolved favorably and as quickly as possible.” The attorney noted Buress lost an $100,000 opportunity because of the incident and was intent on hearing Bieber’s proposed legal strategy.

“I immediately obtained all of the body cam footage, not just the excerpt that was released to the media, and in that footage it was crystal clear that Hannibal’s conduct never violated Florida law,” Bieber said. He contended Verne had arrested Buress in part because he’d taken offense to the comedian’s request for an Uber ride.

“Unfortunately, this officer chose to make an unlawful arrest,” Bieber said. The attorney said he had no clue about the comedian’s routine for the show, or that Buress had planned to incorporate his photo and name into the bit, which included excerpts of a September 2018 Miami New Times story documenting the arresting officer’s own alleged brushes with the law.

Photo: Zach Schlein/ALM

“[Buress] didn’t consult with me, but I don’t have a problem or take issue with the public exposure of a police officer who abuses his authority,” Bieber said. “Since the vilifying of the officer was done partially tongue-in-cheek, it actually made for a great comedy bit. I am certain there will be no backlash to Hannibal personally.”

Buress shared a photo of his attorney with the audience and had Bieber stand to accept a round of applause. The moment might be featured in the comedian’s taped hourlong special.

The attorney and his family also had a chance to go backstage to spend some time with Buress.

Even with all of the excitement surrounding the public’s newfound interest in Bieber — he’s apparently been contacted by friends, family and former clients from around the country who’ve caught wind of his star-making turn — the attorney said he hopes the focus remains on the payoff he achieved for his client.

“To have your legal work publicly acknowledged is always a good thing, but with a twinge of comedy added, it takes it to another level,” he said. “While this is a fun moment, and really a blast for my kids, I focus on the result of the criminal case, which was a full dismissal. So if anyone takes anything from this entire scenario, I hope that’s the final takeaway.”

 

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