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Cornell Fraternity Rape Probe Reopened After Outcry
28 Sep
Summary
- Investigation reopened into alleged gang-rape at Cornell University.
- Seven fraternity members named as alleged perpetrators in lawsuit.
- DA cites 'dramatically different' allegations in reopening case.
Prosecutors in New York have reopened an investigation into an alleged gang-rape at Cornell University, spurred by public outrage over the initial handling of the case involving seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The alleged assault occurred in October 2024, according to a civil lawsuit filed by the student, who was 20 at the time.
The Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, announced the reopening, stating that allegations in the student's lawsuit were "dramatically different" from her initial police statement in November 2024. He intends to present the case to a grand jury, seeking to uncover additional evidence that might indicate criminal conduct.
According to the lawsuit, the student was allegedly drugged with ketamine and sexually assaulted for several hours at the Chi Phi frat house. A message allegedly circulated in a fraternity group chat regarding "free pussy upstairs." The university stated that the Chi Phi chapter remains barred from campus, but federal privacy laws prevent disclosure of individual student disciplinary actions.
Attorneys for the student emphasized that none of the alleged perpetrators faced legal consequences and that many present at the frat house did not intervene. The student's lawyer also noted a lack of specialized training among police who initially took the complaint. The case has gained wider attention, with actor Florence Pugh publicly supporting the alleged victim.
