Cohen also noted that his client has had “many, many negative stories” published about him and his relationships and argued Bankman-Fried’s media outreach was meant “to protect his reputation” before the start of trial.
The case has also brought attention to media influence and the concept of a gag order. In a hearing, Kaplan restricted Bankman-Fried from discussing his case publicly, raising discussions about its implications for fair trial proceedings. The New York Times requested a loosening of the gag order to only restrict comments that could interfere with a fair trial, highlighting the tension between the right to speak and the need for an impartial trial.
A July 20 NYTimes article contained excerpts from Ellison’s private Google doc’s.
The leaked letters have offered insights into the personal dynamics between Bankman-Fried and Caroline Ellison. These writings, prior to FTX’s collapse, reveal Ellison’s concerns about their relationship affecting their professional environment at Alameda Research, Bankman-Fried’s cryptocurrency hedge fund.
