The high-profile trial investigating the death of football legend Diego Maradona has been thrown into disarray after one of the presiding judges, Julieta Makintach, stepped down amid fierce criticism.

Judge Makintach, one of three judges overseeing the case, was accused by prosecutor Patricio Ferrari of behaving “like an actress and not a judge,” following the release of a trailer for Divine Justice, a documentary series that included scenes apparently filmed inside the courtroom. She denied giving permission for the filming but admitted she had “no choice” but to recuse herself due to the controversy.

Seven members of Maradona’s medical team are facing charges of negligent homicide, stemming from his death in November 2020 at the age of 60. Maradona died of a heart attack while recovering at home in Buenos Aires after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain. Prosecutors allege that his death was preventable and blame what they describe as “reckless, deficient and unprecedented” medical care.

The accused include a neurosurgeon, a physician, and a night nurse. They have all denied wrongdoing, asserting that Maradona refused further treatment and was insistent on being discharged early.

If found guilty, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.

The trial, which began on March 11 and was expected to run through July, has now been adjourned while the court considers whether proceedings can continue with a new judge or must restart entirely. A decision is expected on Thursday.

Emotions in the courtroom ran high after the trailer for Divine Justice was shown, prompting defence lawyer Rodolfo Baque to shout “trash!” at Judge Makintach. Maradona’s daughter Gianinna and his former partner Veronica Ojeda were visibly upset, with both reportedly crying during the screening. Ojeda’s lawyer, Mario Baudry, said the trial now feels "compromised" and suggested it would be best to begin again "from scratch."

In a related development, an eighth medical staff member will face a separate jury trial in July.

The scandal surrounding the judge’s involvement in the documentary has cast a shadow over one of Argentina’s most closely watched legal proceedings in recent years.