Jurors who will decide the fate of suspected mob boss John “Junior” Gotti were asked yesterday if they watch the reality show that features his celebrity sister and her three strident sons.
“Have you ever watched the show ‘Growing Up Gotti?’ ” potential jurors were asked in a 29-page questionnaire that will help prosecutors and defense attorneys select the panel. The jury must decide if the son of the Dapper Don really followed in his father’s footsteps.
Gotti, the brother of “Growing Up Gotti” mom Victoria, goes to trial in next month on charges that he led the Gambino organized crime family after his father was put behind bars. He’s also accused of trying to kill radio talk show host Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels crime fighting group.
Members of the jury pool in Manhattan federal court were also asked about their radio listening habits, specifically if they listen to a certain morning radio program hosted by a certain crime-fighting talk show host.
“Do you, or have you ever listened to, the radio show ‘Curtis and Kuby in the Morning?’ ” the document said.
“If yes, how often do you listen?”
Last week, Judge Shira Scheindlin threatened to impose a gag order on all trial participants after Gotti told The Post in an exclusive interview that he had “regrets” about his chosen path and that he did not want his children to follow his lead.
Scheindlin agreed with prosecutors who charged that the interview was designed to elicit sympathy for the defendant.
But the judge decided against the gag order.
That was good news for Sliwa, who has missed few opportunities to vent against either John Gotti.
Gotti is accused of ordering a hit on Sliwa, who was shot in a cab after the talk show host trashed Gotti’s father on the air.
Gotti, who is already serving time on a racketeering charge, faces 25 to 30 years in prison on charges including murder conspiracy, fraud and extortion.
Jurors were also asked if they believe there is such a thing as “organized crime families,” and are asked to list books they have read and movies they have seen about “the Mafia.”