Attorneys involved in the 'Cornell 7' case are exchanging criticisms regarding their media appearances, with each side accusing the other of attempting to gain an advantage in public opinion. On Wednesday, Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, submitted a letter to the court urging against an order that would restrict all parties from discussing the case with the media. This request followed a motion from attorneys for defendant Diego Sarabia, who asked the judge on Monday to impose such restrictions, claiming Giuffra was conducting a media campaign that could influence the jury pool. Giuffra defended his media presence and accused the defense attorneys of leaking documents to the press.
In his letter, Giuffra specifically mentioned the entertainment site TMZ, alleging that Mark Geragos, cohost of the '2 Angry Men' podcast, was using his connection with the outlet to disseminate information to the public, as his daughter, Teny Geragos, is representing defendant Winston Lee. Despite these accusations, Giuffra stated he opposed media restrictions, believing that the defense would utilize surrogates to promote a narrative while leaving him without a platform to respond.
Andrew Miltenberg, representing defendant Gillio Lopes, responded in a statement to TMZ on Thursday, asserting that Giuffra's stance on media coverage appears to be self-serving. He remarked, 'Apparently, Mr. Giuffra believes media coverage is appropriate only when it serves his client’s interests.' Miltenberg criticized Giuffra for promoting his client’s allegations through various media channels, which he argued contributed to the case becoming a national spectacle before the defendants had a chance to review the allegations.
Miltenberg pointed out that while Giuffra named the seven defendants in the lawsuit, he protected his client’s identity, suggesting that Giuffra was aware that the defendants would face significant public scrutiny and was comfortable with the media attention as long as it benefited his side.
Giuffra's client, Jane Doe, alleges that seven fraternity members sexually assaulted her at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. The defendants have denied the allegations, asserting that the encounter was consensual or that they were not involved.
Miltenberg denied any involvement in leaking documents and called on Giuffra to provide evidence for his claims. He emphasized that both Jane Doe and Gillio Lopes deserve privacy and respect, stating, 'Mr. Giuffra doesn’t get to use the media as a megaphone for his allegations and then demand that the defense put down its microphone. He cannot have it both ways.'