ICYMI: Witch Vs. Warlock: A Different Kind of Salem Witch Trial

Salem has a certain reputation based on witch trials that took place back in 1692.

On Wednesday, a different kind of witch trial took place in Salem District Court in the courtroom of Judge Robert Brennan, who granted a civil harassment protection order filed by psychic consultant and witch Lori Bruno Sforza against Christian Day, the self-described “world’s best known warlock.”

It is highly unlikely that the 1692 witchcraft trials featured references to The People Vs. Larry Flynt as case precedence; promises to appeal to the Supreme Court; or offers of $10,000 to the press to track down phone records.

At issue were Sforza’s claims that Day, who she used to work with, has harassed Sforza over the past three years through social media posts, mocking her and by calling her in the wee hours of the morning, uttering a single swear word, and then hanging up.

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Day counters that the whole dispute is simply over a past business dispute.

An emotional and clear-voiced Sforza took the stand and claimed that Day used vulgar language against her when they worked together at Hex, Day’s shop on Essex Street.

After Sforza left Hex to open her own shop on Pickering Wharf, she said began receiving phone calls two or three times per week around 3 a.m. for the past three years. She said she recognized Day’s voice from her years of working with him.

“There would be one word, the ’C’ word, and then he would hang up,” Sforza said on the stand.

Although Brennan granted the protection order based largely on believing Sforza’s testimony about Day’s harassing calls, Sforza seemed more upset on the stand about a series of Facebook posts that she claimed Day posted.

One post depicted an unpleasant image of Sforza taking credit for the eruption of Mt. Etna in Italy, stating that “the crazy old bat takes credit for it.”

Sforza noted that volcanic eruption prediction is not outside the realm of her powers.

“I have predicted several volcanic eruptions, including Mt. Saint Helens,” she said.

The case largely revolved around actions in the corporeal world, although Judge Brennan did bring up Sforza’s psychic abilities at one point.

“Can you just see into other people’s futures, or your own, as well?” the judge asked.

“I can see into my own future, which is why I am here,” said Sforza. “I want to protect myself.”

Day did not take the stand, but his attorney disputed the Facebook posts.

He said there is no evidence that Day made the posts, and that even if they were, they were protected as free speech about a public figure, citing the case of The People vs. Larry Flynt, publisher of Penthouse magazine..

Brennan said his granting of the criminal harassment protection order was based on his belief that Sforza’s testimony on the harassing phone calls was heartfelt and credible, and not on the Facebook posts.

“In my view, it is the telephone calls and not the posts that are sufficient basis for protection,” Brennan said. “Looking at his history, there is an indication that Mr. Day is capable of that type of behavior. No person should be subject to that type of behavior.”

If Day were to violate the harassment order with any contact in person, on the phone, or via social media, he could face a criminal penalty of up to 2-1/2 years in jail.

“On everything that is holy, I did not make those calls,” Day said. “Will it violate my order if I tell (the media) that she is a liar?”

Brennan said Day is free to respond to questions from the media.

Outside the courthouse, Day claimed that he has never called Sforza in the middle of the night and said the dispute is over business, since Sforza left his shop behind his back in 2012 to start her own shop on Pickering Wharf.

Day said he was displeased that the harassment order was issued based on Sforza’s testimony and with no other proof that he had called her.

“When I have something to say, I say it to someone’s face,” he said. “It’s an absolute lie and there was no evidence presented that those calls were from me. That was not my voice, and I plan to appeal this all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary.”

Day also said he would pay $10,000 to anyone who could prove that he made those phone calls.

“For the past three years, she has hired former employees of mine and caused trouble,” Day said. “This is a business dispute. I am the victim here.”