Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- The sham marriage trial of Mexican actress Fernanda Romero, under way in a Los Angeles federal court, offered more drama this week than the soap operas she is famous for. The courtroom cast included celebrity photographer and reality TV star Markus Klinko, whom defense lawyers tried to paint as a revengeful ex-boyfriend who turned her in to immigrations agents. Romero sat directly in front of jurors, holding hands with co-defendant Kent Ross, the Los Angeles musician she allegedly paid $5,000 to marry her so she could get a U.S. work visa. The couple had an "unconventional relationship," but their marriage was real, a defense lawyer said in opening statements.
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Defense: Fernanda Romero's marriage was "unconventional" but real
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The Mexican actress is accused of using a fake marriage to get a U.S. green card
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Photographer Markus Klinko was the key prosecution witness
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Klinko says his goal was not to get his ex-girlfriend deported
The 28-year-old actress-model began sobbing as Klinko testified against her Wednesday, outlining his romantic relationship with Romero that he said began after she married @placeholder.