Cornell rape victim’s lawyer reports on her condition
4 october 2026 в 03:37
The attorney for the alleged victim of a gang rape at a Cornell University fraternity reported on the condition of his client amid criticism of the university and local prosecutors for insufficient investigation of the incident. According to Thomas J. Giffra, who filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of the victim, «she is not doing well». He added that the incident «has turned her life upside down in a tragic way».
Giffra shared that the client had dreamed of attending Cornell since childhood and worked hard to get into the university, as there was no tradition of attending elite educational institutions in her hometown. However, after she became a victim of gang rape, she had to leave her studies. She could not withdraw without significant financial losses for her parents and ultimately was forced to leave the university.
In the lawsuit filed on September 16, Doe claims she was raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house on October 19, 2024. After a party, where she was pressured, she was offered drugs and alcohol, after which she was raped by seven fraternity members. The incident was reported only weeks later, and none of the accused faced criminal charges. Two of the seven fraternity members were temporarily suspended, while the others were only instructed to write essays and attend seminars.
Giffra noted that the client is undergoing extensive mental health treatment and «is hanging by a thread». He also emphasized that public support has had a positive impact on her condition.
Amid public outcry, New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office and Cornell Police, announcing the transfer of the criminal investigation to New York Attorney General Letitia James. President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, expressed dissatisfaction with James’s investigation and stated that he feels «sorry» for the accused.
According to information published in The New York Times, the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office refused to consider additional evidence presented by campus police.
Giffra shared that the client had dreamed of attending Cornell since childhood and worked hard to get into the university, as there was no tradition of attending elite educational institutions in her hometown. However, after she became a victim of gang rape, she had to leave her studies. She could not withdraw without significant financial losses for her parents and ultimately was forced to leave the university.
In the lawsuit filed on September 16, Doe claims she was raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house on October 19, 2024. After a party, where she was pressured, she was offered drugs and alcohol, after which she was raped by seven fraternity members. The incident was reported only weeks later, and none of the accused faced criminal charges. Two of the seven fraternity members were temporarily suspended, while the others were only instructed to write essays and attend seminars.
Giffra noted that the client is undergoing extensive mental health treatment and «is hanging by a thread». He also emphasized that public support has had a positive impact on her condition.
Amid public outcry, New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office and Cornell Police, announcing the transfer of the criminal investigation to New York Attorney General Letitia James. President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, expressed dissatisfaction with James’s investigation and stated that he feels «sorry» for the accused.
According to information published in The New York Times, the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office refused to consider additional evidence presented by campus police.
© Kolganov Andrey
