Cipriani USA Inc. has filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Società Editoriale Il Fatto S.p.A. (publisher of Il Fatto Quotidiano) and RAI – Radiotelevisione Italiana. The legal action, which seeks $250 million in damages, alleges that the defendants engaged in a defamatory campaign that caused significant commercial harm to the Cipriani hospitality group by publishing false claims regarding the company’s business dealings and the personal affairs of Giuseppe Cipriani.
Why is Cipriani USA Inc. seeking $250 million in damages?
The lawsuit, filed on June 5, 2026, claims that a series of “false and sensationalist” reports resulted in immediate and severe commercial consequences for the hospitality group. According to the 43-page complaint prepared by the law firm Reinhardt Savic Foley LLP, the alleged defamation directly interfered with the company’s financial operations. Specifically, one financier reportedly delayed a $50 million transaction and demanded that Cipriani hire an independent investigative firm to refute the claims, leading to extraordinary costs for the business. Cipriani USA Inc. is pursuing this action for “illicit interference with future business relationships, harmful misrepresentation, and commercial disparagement” rather than a standard defamation claim.
The Cipriani family legacy in hospitality dates back to 1931, when Giuseppe Cipriani Senior opened Harry’s Bar in Venice. The brand has since grown into a global enterprise encompassing restaurants, lounges, and residences.
What are the specific allegations being contested?
The complaint addresses four primary areas of reporting that the plaintiffs argue were false or distorted:
- The Epstein Comparison: The lawsuit claims that media reports starting in April 2026 attempted to paint Giuseppe Cipriani as an “Italian Epstein” and Nicole Minetti as an “Italian Ghislaine Maxwell,” using suggestive imagery and selective quoting to imply criminal or predatory conduct.
- The Nordio Narrative: The document disputes claims that Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio visited Cipriani’s residence in Punta del Este, Uruguay, to facilitate political favors for Nicole Minetti. According to the filing, Nordio never met Cipriani and never visited the residence.
- The “Gin Tonic” Residence: Cipriani’s legal team clarifies that the Punta del Este property is a private residence, not a “ranch,” rejecting comparisons to Jeffrey Epstein’s New Mexico property. The filing cites a notarized affidavit from May 29, 2026, where former staff member Graciela Torres retracted previous claims and confirmed that no illegal activities occurred at the location.
- Adoption and Medical Cases: The lawsuit asserts that the adoption of the couple’s child was finalized by a Uruguayan court in 2023 following a standard, legal process. Furthermore, it states that the child’s medical treatment in the U.S. was medically necessary, authorized by Uruguayan authorities, and supported by medical institutions including the Cleveland Clinic and Boston Children’s Hospital.
How does the court establish jurisdiction?
In the filing, Cipriani USA Inc. argues that the New York court has personal jurisdiction over the Italian defendants because the media outlets knew their conduct would cause harm to people and property within New York. The document notes that the publications and broadcasts were accessible and distributed in New York, and that they directly targeted a business enterprise centered in the city. The defendants, Società Editoriale Il Fatto S.p.A. and RAI, are expected to contest these claims and present their own evidence in the appropriate legal forums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the plaintiff in this case?
Cipriani USA Inc., the New York-based arm of the international hospitality group founded by the Cipriani family.
What is the primary legal basis for the lawsuit?
The company is suing for illicit interference with future business relationships, harmful misrepresentation, and commercial disparagement, citing a $250 million loss in potential economic value.
What is the status of the legal proceedings?
The complaint was filed on June 5, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
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