A judge heard arguments last week on one accused man’s request to remove James but said he wouldn’t rule without knowing if the six other lawsuit defendants backed the effort. He gave the man’s lawyers until Thursday to try to get them to join.

Four agreed to join, including one whose lawyers had previously filed court papers seeking to have James removed. The two others didn’t have lawyers and did not respond, court filings said.

James’ office declined to comment.

James, a Democrat, posted about the case on X and Facebook on Sept. 28, linking to a news article about the lawsuit. “I’m holding her in my heart and in my prayers. To her, and to all survivors: you’re not alone. We stand with you.”