Details Emerge in Cornell University Alleged Gang Rape Lawsuit

Exclusively obtained screenshots of text messages uncover new insights about the alleged gang rape lawsuit at Cornell University involving the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. The incident involves a former student, referred to as Jane Doe, who claims she was drugged and raped.

On Monday, prosecutors announced the reopening of the investigation. The Tompkins County District Attorney noted inconsistencies between the victim’s initial statement and a recently filed civil lawsuit.

CBS News New York, through Investigative Reporter Mahsa Saeidi, acquired the text screenshots from a source. These messages reportedly exchanged between Jane Doe and one of the defendants accused of rape, were sent merely two days following the alleged assault.

The exchanged messages began with an apology from the defendant who mentioned his memory was “kinda fuzzy.” He regretted being too intoxicated to “shut it down and kick people out before it got way out of hand.” Doe responded, acknowledging her “super clouded” memory due to heavy intoxication. She stated “non(e) of the sexual stuff was illegal” and expressed a desire to spend time with him again while avoiding the involvement of “extra 5 billion men and ketamine.”

CBS News New York also acquired a video showing a fraternity’s group Snapchat conversation.

Attorney’s Perspective

Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, verified her exchange of texts with the defendant soon after the alleged assault, although he couldn’t confirm their authenticity. According to Giuffra, Doe was in denial and traumatized, seeking clarity on the events of the night. He emphasized Doe’s cautious communication with the defendant to uncover what transpired.

Giuffra indicated these text messages were part of Cornell’s Title IX proceedings, suggesting the panel recognized Doe’s denial state. He noted that the defendant’s expulsion implied dismissiveness toward the messages.

Giuffra criticized the investigatory process, emphasizing its shortcomings: “Not one of these guys was arrested. Not one. That I can tell you for a fact.” This statement occurred before the release of screenshots and the district attorney’s announcement to reopen the case.

He shared Doe’s deep connection with Cornell, stating, “She came from a small town. Since she was a little girl, she wanted to go to Cornell. She worked really hard in school, worked really hard to get there. This was the pinnacle. This was the realization of her dream, and then this happens to her.” He contests the district attorney’s claim that Doe’s statement significantly differs from the lawsuit.

Both additional defendants included in the lawsuit dispute the accusations.