Cornell rape accuser and lawyer say they have been targeted with death threats
The attorney for a woman who claims she was raped at a Cornell fraternity in 2024 says both she and he have received death threats after the case gained public attention.
Thomas Giuffra represents a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, who alleges a sexual assault occurred at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024. No criminal charges were initially filed, but a civil lawsuit has revived the matter. Giuffra told a news program that he and his client have been subjected to death threats. The lawyer also referenced recent comments made by Donald Trump about the case.
Why it matters
The threats highlight the hostile environment faced by sexual assault survivors and their advocates in high-profile cases.
How this story developed
- Sep 25 Student thought to be Korean named among defendants in Cornell sexual assault lawsuit
- Oct 1 Cornell has agreed to bring in an outside firm to investigate allegations of a gang rape on campus.
- Oct 1 Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff approved an independent third‑party investigation into the university’s handling of the 2024 fraternity assault allegations.
- Oct 2 Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit alleging assault by former fraternity members.
- Oct 2 State officials have stepped in to review the university’s handling of the allegations.
- Oct 3 Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor in the reopened investigation.
- Oct 4 Governor Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor and Cornell announced an independent external review of its handling of the allegations.
- Oct 4 President Michael Kotlikoff issued a video statement pledging greater transparency and acknowledging the need for better prevention measures.
- Oct 4 The plaintiff’s attorney says threats have been made against both the plaintiff and himself to pressure a withdrawal of the lawsuit.
- Oct 5 The disciplinary panel issued specific sanctions—expulsions, a three‑year ban, suspensions and mandatory training—for each of the seven accused men.
- Oct 5 Students, faculty and supporters gathered at Cornell's main plaza to protest the school's response to a 2024 fraternity gang-rape allegation, while graffiti damaged the administration building.
- Oct 5 Vandalism of Day Hall and a student‑led “Justice for Survivors” rally occurred early Monday.
- Oct 6 Governor Kathy Hochul and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez have publicly framed the case as evidence of a broader culture of exploitation ahead of upcoming elections.
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