Uber Lawyers Receive Death Threats Over Sexual Assault Case

• Uber's lawyers are receiving death threats due to their involvement in a high-profile sexual assault case.
• The threats are believed to be linked to an article published by The New York Times criticizing their legal strategy.
• The case is part of a larger multidistrict litigation involving over 4,000 cases and has already seen two significant verdicts.
• A third bellwether trial is scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026, involving a woman who alleges her Uber driver forced her to perform oral sex during a 2020 ride in Texas.
• Lawyers representing clients in high-profile sexual assault cases must be aware of the potential for backlash and take necessary precautions.

Lawyers representing Uber Technologies have been receiving death threats due to their involvement in a high-profile sexual assault case. The threats have become so severe that some lawyers are now too afraid to go home, highlighting the need for increased security measures. According to court documents, the lawyers received these threats after an article published by The New York Times criticized their legal strategy and accused them of attacking the credibility of the women accusing Uber drivers of sexual assault.

The article in question, titled 'Uber's Strategy for Fighting Sexual Assault Suits: 'What Were You Wearing?', sparked widespread outrage among advocates for survivors of sexual assault. The piece highlighted examples from depositions where Uber's lawyers asked female plaintiffs about their clothing choices and drinking habits on the nights they claim to have been assaulted.

This is not an isolated incident, as Uber is preparing for a third bellwether trial in the sexual assault multidistrict litigation involving over 4,000 cases. Two previous trials have already resulted in significant awards for the victims, with one woman receiving $8.5 million and another $5,000.

The case against Uber is part of a larger multidistrict litigation involving thousands of sexual assault cases. The Northern District of California's U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer is overseeing the litigation, which has already seen two trials with significant verdicts. In one trial, a jury awarded $8.5 million to a woman in Arizona, while another trial resulted in a $5,000 award for a woman in North Carolina.

The third bellwether trial, scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026, involves a woman who alleges her Uber driver forced her to perform oral sex during a 2020 ride in Texas. The driver was previously convicted of sexual assault in 2022, highlighting the severity of the allegations against him.

This case has significant implications for lawyers representing clients in high-profile sexual assault cases. As seen with the death threats against Uber's lawyers, these cases can attract intense scrutiny and backlash. Lawyers must be aware of this potential risk and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and that of their families.

The case against Uber highlights the need for increased awareness and support for survivors of sexual assault. The use of 'what were you wearing' defense, which was criticized in the New York Times article, is a prime example of how victims are often blamed or shamed instead of being believed.

Lawyers representing clients in high-profile cases like this one must be mindful of their online presence and take steps to protect themselves and their families from potential backlash. This includes being aware of the potential for death threats and taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Ultimately, this case serves as a reminder that lawyers have a responsibility to advocate for their clients while also being mindful of the impact of their actions on others.

Lawyers representing clients in high-profile sexual assault cases should be aware of the potential for backlash and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, including being mindful of their online presence and taking steps to protect themselves and their families.

Source: Original reporting via ABA Journal — Litigation