ok i get it now.

Cytodyn can offer "market manipulation" as a defense in their civil suit.

Cytodyn can say, "share price wasn't our fault, these other guys did it".

Will the judge permit Cytodyn to subpoena and depose third parties whom Cytodyn asserts manipulated the share price?

Probably there is legal precedent for blaming third party. Cytodyn might have to sue the third party as part of their defense of this suit.

Might be a good opportunity for Cytodyn to investigate short sellers. Pourhassan might think thats a great thing.