The woman who accuses several Cornell University students of drugging and raping her has been threatened, her lawyer says. Attorney Thomas Giuffra says the threats are meant to pressure her into dropping her civil lawsuit. Giuffra spoke on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. His client is identified in court papers as “Jane Doe.” He said she has received multiple threats from people who want her to withdraw the case or face being silenced or harmed.
The lawyer said he has been threatened as well, but he insisted he is not frightened. He called the people behind the abuse “disgusting” and accused them of trying to protect the status quo.
The allegations
Doe’s civil lawsuit says several members of a Cornell fraternity drugged and raped her in 2024. The suit was filed last month. These are allegations, and the material provided does not describe any court findings.
Cornell promises a review
University President Michael Kotlikoff addressed the controversy in a video message on Saturday. He said Cornell will take a close look at the role fraternities and sororities play on campus, after the public outcry over how the school handled the rape allegations.
He acknowledged the good side of Greek life, saying such groups can offer friendship, mentorship and a sense of belonging. But he said belonging to a group never reduces a person’s own responsibility.
Prosecutors face criticism
Since the lawsuit became public, prosecutors in Tompkins County, New York, have come under fire for how they first dealt with the allegations in 2024. Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul named state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to look into the case.
Trump weighs in
President Donald Trump, who has criticized James for years, objected to her appointment. He told reporters on Friday that he feels badly for whoever she is investigating, because that person will not get a fair shake.
When CNN asked Giuffra about the comment, he said the case should stay out of politics. “It has nothing to do with politics,” he said.
