A Miami Hostel Dispute in the National News

The Miami Business Dispute

BuzzFeed News reported that the dispute began as a Miami business venture: a hostel on Alton Road held through a Florida corporation, with capital advanced by the Falwell family and day to day management by Aaron's client. BuzzFeed News named Aaron Resnick as Granda's lawyer in that litigation.

The Advocate reported on May 8, 2019 that Aaron Resnick, a lawyer for Granda, denied on the record that his client had any involvement in the photographs described in a Reuters report. Miami New Times published the same denial the same day and quoted Aaron directly on how press outlets were characterizing his client.

ABC News reported on August 28, 2020 that the communications adviser working with Granda had been brought on by his attorney, Aaron Resnick.

Politico and Reuters reported extensively on the underlying matter across 2019 and 2020.

Ownership, Investment and Control

The reporting describes a Miami hostel venture held through a Florida corporation, with investment, management and ownership in dispute. Aaron Resnick represented Granda in that litigation. The firm's partnership and shareholder practice addresses disputes over company control, contracts and money.

What the matter adds is the second layer. When a closely held business dispute attracts press attention, the client needs counsel who can run the litigation and the press posture at the same time: issuing statements on the record, correcting how the client is characterized, and coordinating with communications advisers without conceding the litigation position.

Publication Dates and Case Status

The stories describe the representation and statements made on behalf of the client at their publication dates. Reported allegations remain allegations; this coverage is not a statement of a later judgment or settlement.

Related Practice Areas

• Business divorce
• Shareholder and partnership disputes
• Miami business litigation
• Real estate litigation

Earlier Reporting

ABC News reported on August 28, 2020 that Granda's communications adviser had been brought on by his attorney, Aaron Resnick.

BuzzFeed News reported on May 31, 2018 that Aaron Resnick was Granda's lawyer in the hostel business dispute.

The Advocate reported on May 8, 2019 that Aaron Resnick denied Granda's involvement in the photographs described in a Reuters report.

Miami New Times published Aaron Resnick's statement on May 8, 2019, including his objection to how reports described Granda.

Miami New Times named Aaron Resnick as Granda's attorney in its August 24, 2020 coverage.

We Don't Make Promises. We Have Results to Prove It.

The Law Offices of Aaron Resnick represents large corporations, Miami businesses and their owners, professional athletes and entertainers in Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and across Florida in business litigation and business counsel. Call 305-672-7495 or request a consultation.

This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.

In the News

Son of a Preacher Man
Vanity Fair | March 1, 2022
Vanity Fair's March 2022 feature on Jerry Falwell Jr. named Aaron Resnick as Giancarlo Granda's lawyer. The feature recounts how a lawyer for Granda wrote to Falwell's attorney proposing that Falwell buy out Granda's interest in the South Beach hostel, the business at the center of their dispute.

Former pool attendant details alleged relationship with Becki and Jerry Falwell Jr.
ABC News | August 28, 2020
ABC News described Giancarlo Granda's account of an alleged relationship with Becki and Jerry Falwell Jr. on August 28, 2020. Aaron Resnick represented Granda. The report also explains that an adviser speaking with ABC News producers had been brought on by Granda's attorney.

Cohen says he helped Falwells block racy photos
CNN (via The Mercury News) | August 26, 2020
CNN reported on August 26, 2020, in a story carried by The Mercury News, Michael Cohen's account of efforts to block photographs involving the Falwells. Aaron Resnick, representing Giancarlo Granda, told CNN that Granda had no dealings with Cohen about the Falwells. The August 26, 2020 coverage includes counsel's denial of negotiations through his own office.

Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, says he helped the Falwells block the release of racy photos
CNN (via WRAL) | August 26, 2020
CNN reported on August 26, 2020, in a story carried by WRAL, Michael Cohen's account of photographs involving the Falwells and included Giancarlo Granda's response through Aaron Resnick. Aaron denied that Granda had dealings with Cohen about the Falwells, including any negotiations through his office.

Here's a Summary of Jerry Falwell Jr.'s Weird Florida Antics
Miami New Times | September 15, 2019
Miami New Times reviewed Jerry Falwell Jr.'s Florida connections in its September 15, 2019 article. The account included Giancarlo Granda's response through Aaron Resnick, who denied that his client was involved in the controversy the publication described.

How cut-rate SoBe hostel launched Jerry Falwell Jr. ‘pool boy' saga, naked picture hunt
Miami Herald | June 19, 2019
The Miami Herald reported on the South Beach hostel at the center of the story involving Jerry Falwell Jr. and Giancarlo Granda. The Herald named Aaron Resnick as Granda's lawyer and reported that Granda referred questions about the hostel to Aaron.

Documents detail how Jerry Falwell Jr. went into South Beach venture with ‘pool boy'
Miami Herald | May 23, 2019
On May 23, 2019, the Miami Herald reported on court records showing how Jerry Falwell Jr. went into a South Beach hostel venture with Giancarlo Granda. The Herald named Aaron Resnick as Granda's lawyer in the dispute over the venture.

Jerry Falwell Jr.'s former pool boy says he doesn't know anything about those x-rated photos
Queerty | May 9, 2019
Queerty reported on May 9, 2019 that Giancarlo Granda denied knowing anything about photographs described in national reporting. Aaron Resnick spoke for Granda, delivered the denial and objected to the "pool boy" label other outlets had used for his client.

Former Pool Boy Implicated In Jerry Falwell Jr. Scandal Denies Involvement With Racy Photos
Inquisitr | May 8, 2019
Inquisitr reported Giancarlo Granda's denial of involvement with photographs connected to Jerry Falwell Jr. on May 8, 2019. Aaron Resnick communicated his client's position: Granda denied any direct or indirect communications with Michael Cohen about the photographs.

Ex-Miami Beach Pool Attendant Denies Knowing Anything About 'Racy' Falwell Photos
Miami New Times | May 8, 2019
Miami New Times reported Giancarlo Granda's denial of knowledge about photographs involving the Falwells on May 8, 2019. Aaron Resnick spoke as Granda's lawyer. The publication quoted counsel in reporting his client's response to the controversy surrounding the former Miami Beach pool attendant.