The plaintiff in a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and raped by seven Cornell University fraternity members has been subjected to threats, her attorney stated on Sunday. Thomas Giuffra told CNN that individuals have threatened to silence or physically harm the woman, identified legally as Jane Doe, if she does not withdraw her complaint regarding the 2024 incident.
Giuffra confirmed that he has also been targeted by threats while representing the plaintiff. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” he expressed outrage at the attempts to protect the status quo, stating, “I’m not afraid of these people… These guys are disgusting. They should stay in their mother’s basement and stay out of the world.”
The allegations have triggered significant backlash regarding how Cornell University handled the initial reports. In response to the outcry, University President Michael Kotlikoff announced on Saturday that an independent review by an external law firm would be conducted to examine the institution’s actions. Kotlikoff also pledged a broader review of the role fraternities and sororities play on campus, emphasizing that group affiliation never diminishes individual responsibility.
Prosecutors in Tompkins County, New York, have faced criticism for their initial handling of the 2024 allegations. Consequently, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor last week to oversee the case.
US President Donald Trump criticized the appointment of James, a longtime political rival, telling reporters that those she investigates “won’t get a fair shake.” Giuffra responded by urging that the legal proceedings remain separate from political debates. “It has nothing to do with politics,” Giuffra said.
The university’s handling of this seems deeply flawed. A systemic review of fraternities is long overdue and desperately needed on campus.
Is it fair to appoint a high-profile AG like Letitia James for this case? I worry it will become a political spectacle rather than a focused legal process.
I’m shocked Cornell waited this long for an independent review. Why wasn’t this action taken immediately when the allegations surfaced?
The threats against Jane Doe are absolutely horrifying. No one should have to fear for their safety just by seeking justice.