It sounds like it wouldn't be illegal, but the judge would probably say, "You have $2 million in savings [probably more like: "Oh, you were a cofounder of this

It sounds like it wouldn't be illegal, but the judge would probably say, "You have $2 million in savings [probably more like: "Oh, you were a cofounder of this startup that was acquired by a multinational publishing conglomerate"] and you're asking normal people to donate to your defense?" and perform some kind of punitive measures (or at least have disfavor cast upon his side of the story for appearing unethical) for what appears to be a major misuse of clout (i.e., a wealthy man fleecing the much poorer masses for his own support). IANAL