Attorneys for Diego Sarabia, a student accused in a civil lawsuit of sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity, have asked a New York judge to impose a gag order. The legal team argues that extensive publicity surrounding the case risks prejudicing potential jurors and seeks narrowly tailored restrictions on public comments by parties and lawyers.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a former Cornell student, identified as Jane Doe, in November 2024. She alleged she was drugged and raped by a group of men at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. While no criminal charges have been filed, an investigation by the New York attorney general is ongoing. The lawsuit names Sarabia and the university, sparking broader discussions about the handling of alleged sexual assaults on college campuses nationwide.

Lawyers for Sarabia contend that the plaintiff's counsel has made numerous public statements on the merits of the disputed allegations, presenting them to the public before formal discovery and trial. They argue these actions could lead to juror prejudice, the release of sensitive information, and potential threats or intimidation against the parties involved.

The motion specifically points to statements made by Thomas Giuffra, an attorney for Jane Doe, as prejudicial. Sarabia's legal team asserts that the plaintiff's counsel has effectively been trying the case in the media since the lawsuit's inception, potentially jeopardizing the fair administration of justice.

In response, Giuffra stated that the defense has attempted to discredit the claims through leaks of confidential documents and public interviews questioning Jane Doe's story. He characterized the gag order request as an attempt to silence them because their efforts to rebut the defense's narrative have been successful.

Sarabia is accused in the lawsuit of forcibly kissing Jane Doe and of pouring and snorting Ketamine. He has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. Court documents previously reviewed by ABC News indicate Sarabia's prior arguments that the incident occurred within the context of intercollegiate athletics.

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate surrounding sexual assault allegations on college campuses and the legal processes involved in civil litigation. The request for a gag order introduces a new dimension to the case, focusing on the management of public perception and its potential impact on legal proceedings.

This development underscores the complexities of high-profile civil cases, particularly those involving allegations of sexual assault, where public discourse can intersect with judicial processes. The judge's decision on the gag order request is anticipated to be a significant factor in how the case proceeds.