RismadarVoice Reporters
October 4, 2026
A former Cornell University student who has accused several fraternity members of sexual assault has received threats demanding that she withdraw her lawsuit, according to her attorney, Thomas Giuffra.
The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit last month against Cornell University and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity over an alleged incident in October 2024.
Giuffra said his client had received multiple threats since filing the lawsuit. He added that at least three women who were incorrectly identified online as Jane Doe had also been targeted.
The attorney said he had also received a threat but did not identify those allegedly responsible or provide details about whether the threats had been reported to law enforcement.
Jane Doe alleges in the lawsuit that she was sexually assaulted over several hours while impaired by substances, including alcohol and drugs. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the lawsuit remains pending.
The case has renewed scrutiny of the response by Cornell University and local authorities after the allegations were initially reported.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to examine the case and determine whether criminal charges should be pursued.
Questions have also emerged over the handling of the original investigation. Cornell police reportedly interviewed witnesses and received additional information after Jane Doe made her initial statement.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten did not pursue charges at the time and has defended that decision, saying the woman’s initial statement to police did not describe conduct that supported criminal charges.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff has acknowledged concerns over the university’s handling of the matter and said the institution needs to improve its response.
The university’s board of trustees is also expected to commission an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the allegations.
The renewed investigation and independent review are expected to examine how the allegations were handled and whether further action is warranted.
