An attorney representing multiple survivors of Jeffrey Epstein has sharply criticized comments made by Kathy Ruemmler, the former general counsel of Goldman Sachs, who advised the convicted sex offender before his death in 2019 while awaiting federal charges.

Arick Fudali, who represents 11 Epstein survivors, told CNN anchor Boris Sanchez on Thursday that he was "appalled" after learning that Ruemmler told lawmakers she did not consider Virginia Giuffre — one of the most prominent accusers of Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell — a "credible witness."

Ruemmler was questioned behind closed doors earlier this month by the House Oversight Committee regarding her professional relationship with Epstein. During that testimony, she reportedly told congressional leaders that Giuffre "lacked inherent credibility."

Giuffre, who alleged that Epstein trafficked her to powerful men including Britain's Prince Andrew, became one of the most recognizable figures among Epstein's accusers before her death. Her allegations against Prince Andrew led to a widely covered civil lawsuit that was settled out of court in 2022. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein. Her family has expressed outrage over Ruemmler's remarks.

Fudali, speaking to CNN, delivered a forceful rebuke of the former Goldman Sachs executive's assessment.

"It's appalling. It's gross. You know, any adjective you can possibly think of and [it's] really offensive for her to say that about Ms. Giuffre, who, in my opinion, is an American hero, someone who suffered greatly and someone who inspired so many other survivors, not just of Jeffrey Epstein, but of sexual abuse around the world," Fudali said.

He continued: "Ms. Giuffre is the reason, I know personally, that a lot of women were able to feel comfortable, feel strong, and feel empowered enough to step forward. So shame on her for saying anything of the sort. Anything, especially casting doubt on Ms. Giuffre's allegations."

Ruemmler, who also previously served as White House Counsel under President Barack Obama, has faced growing scrutiny over her connections to Epstein and the extent to which she facilitated introductions between the financier and influential business and political figures. Her role at Goldman Sachs placed her at the intersection of Wall Street and Washington, and her advisory work for Epstein has raised questions about what senior figures in finance and law knew about his activities. Her closed-door testimony before the House Oversight Committee is part of a broader congressional inquiry into Epstein's network and the institutions and individuals connected to it, an investigation that has gained momentum as lawmakers seek to identify who enabled or benefited from Epstein's operations.