Cornell University student files lawsuit over alleged fraternity gang rape

Cornell University Chi Phi fraternity sexual assault lawsuit gang rape allegations Tompkins County District Attorney

A former Cornell University student, identified as Jane Doe, has filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and gang-raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. The lawsuit names the seven individuals, the Chi Phi fraternity, Cornell University, and other entities as defendants.

The plaintiff claims she was pressured into consuming ketamine and marijuana at a fraternity house, leading to a multi-hour assault. The legal complaint highlights Snapchat messages from a fraternity group chat that allegedly encouraged the assault. While Cornell University conducted a Title IX investigation and issued sanctions—including the expulsion of two students and suspensions for others—no criminal charges were filed at the time.

Following the civil suit, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced that his office is reopening the investigation. Van Houten stated the office is considering presenting the case to a grand jury to determine if criminal conduct occurred, noting that the allegations in the civil complaint differ from the victim's initial 2024 statement to police. The university has defended its prior disciplinary actions, while the Chi Phi national headquarters expressed concern over the allegations.

Entities

Chi Phi · Chi Phi fraternity · Cornell University · Florence Pugh · Jane Doe · Matthew Van Houten · Thomas Giuffra · Tompkins County

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 17 SOURCES] A former student, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was drugged and gang-raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. kisahdunia.com · reddot.my · news.nextapple.com · agora-web.jp · cnn.iprima.cz · +9 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Cornell University completed an internal investigation and has prohibited the Chi Phi fraternity chapter from being on campus. kisahdunia.com · reddot.my · news.nextapple.com · agora-web.jp · www.viva.co.id · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The victim left Cornell University following the incident due to trauma. kisahdunia.com · reddot.my · news.nextapple.com · agora-web.jp · cnn.iprima.cz
[● 9 SOURCES] The victim alleges she was pressured into snorting a substance described as ketamine by two men. reddot.my · news.nextapple.com · agora-web.jp · cnn.iprima.cz · www.ibtimes.co.uk · +3 more
[● 7 SOURCES] The District Attorney's office initially declined to bring criminal charges due to insufficient evidence. reddot.my · news.nextapple.com · cnn.iprima.cz · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.koreaherald.com · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The District Attorney is reopening the investigation and considering presenting the case to a grand jury. www.mandatory.com · www.npr.org · offthepress.com · balleralert.com · mymotherlode.com
[DISPUTED] Of the seven accused, only two were expelled by the university, while others received lighter disciplinary actions such as writing essays. kisahdunia.com · reddot.my · news.nextapple.com · agora-web.jp · cnn.iprima.cz · +7 more
[● 9 SOURCES] A Snapchat message sent to the 'Chi Phi Actives' group allegedly invited more members to join the assault. reddot.my · news.nextapple.com · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.usmagazine.com · kisahdunia.com · +2 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The lawsuit cites Snapchat messages from a group chat where fraternity members allegedly discussed the assault. www.devdiscourse.com · www.latestly.com · yle.fi
[● 7 SOURCES] Cornell University conducted a Title IX investigation and issued sanctions, including expulsions and suspensions. www.npr.org · mymotherlode.com · balleralert.com · 730.no · reddot.my · +2 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The District Attorney noted that the allegations in the civil suit differ from the victim's original 2024 statement to police. offthepress.com · midutahradio.com · 1053rnb.com · balleralert.com · www.devdiscourse.com
[● 19 SOURCES] A former student alleges she was drugged and gang raped by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024. www.npr.org · offthepress.com · 961theeagle.com · www.comicbasics.com · lite987.com · +14 more