Cole Goldberg on ABC4 Utah: Life After the Headlines

On ABC4 Utah's Thrive with Kailey Ann, Cole Goldberg, a national advocate for fair trials and due process, talked about the mental toll of being judged online and what social media does to people long after a case is over. Cole spent nearly four years fighting a nationally covered case before a judge found him not guilty on all counts in March 2026.

Cole Goldberg on ABC4 Utah talking about life after the headlines

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In his words

"If you're going to formulate opinions, at least follow through to the end and really evaluate all the facts and wait for everything to come out."

"The speed of media. The court needs to catch up."

"I'm just trying to stand up for people that are in my position, or that can be in my position in the future, and really advocate for what's right for fair trials and due process."

Key points Cole raised

Public opinion forms within hours of an arrest, from headlines and comment sections, long before any evidence comes out.
Many people never follow a case to the end, so first impressions can outlast a not guilty verdict.
Constant online pressure takes a real mental toll on defendants and can push people toward decisions they would not otherwise make, including taking a plea.
For anyone facing online judgment: step away from the comments and stay close to the people who know who you are.

Why this conversation matters

The damage of an accusation does not end when a case does. Conversations about mental health, social media and public judgment help people understand that headlines are not evidence, and that the presumption of innocence has to hold up outside the courtroom too.

Interview details

Station: ABC4 Utah (KTVX), Salt Lake City
Program: Thrive with Kailey Ann
Topic: PTSD, social media and life after public judgment
Length: about 3 minutes