Ghislaine Maxwell trial suddenly cut short Thursday after lawyer falls ill

The federal sex-trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell was abruptly cut short Thursday after one of the attorneys in the case suddenly got sick.

The court was adjourned at about 10:30 a.m. after Judge Alison Nathan was informed of the attorney's status. She also said the court has "no reason to believe it is COVID-related."

It is unclear who the sick attorney is. 

"We urge you to respect the privacy of all parties to this litigation and not disclose the identity of that attorney," said a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Manhattan Office.

The announcement was made following an extended meeting between the defense, prosecutors and the judge in her chambers. The meeting had been requested by prosecutors.

Prior to the unexpected break, prosecutors had been scheduled to call their final witnesses before resting their case. 

The trial, said Nathan, will resume Friday.