Olivia Rodrigo supports rape victim at Cornell
5 october 2026 в 04:37
Singer Olivia Rodrigo expressed her support for the victim of an alleged gang rape at Cornell University, as the local prosecutor’s office and the institution are under intense scrutiny. On her Instagram on October 3, she wrote: «Shame on Cornell and every institution that protects rapists and abusers instead of women. I stand with Jane Doe. Her bravery resonates across the country, and the crimes against her will not go unpunished».
Olivia added that the victim’s experiences are important, as is the failure of those who could have intervened but did not. She emphasized that Jane Doe deserves answers, accountability, and change.
In a civil lawsuit filed on September 16, an unidentified woman referred to as Jane Doe claims she was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house on October 19, 2024. After a party where she consumed alcohol, she was allegedly forced to take ketamine and marijuana, after which she was raped by seven fraternity brothers.
According to the lawsuit, the incident began with two brothers, but later other men joined them, promoting «free sex» in a Snapchat chat. Jane Doe reported the incident a few weeks later, but none of the men faced criminal charges. Only two of the seven fraternity members were temporarily suspended, while the others were instructed to write essays and attend seminars.
Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giffra, told NBC News that her mental health is suffering and that the incident has drastically changed her life. He noted that she had dreamed of attending Cornell but was betrayed by friends and ultimately had to leave the university.
In light of public outrage, New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the Tompkins County prosecutor’s office and Cornell police, announcing that she had directed New York Attorney General Letitia James to take over the criminal investigations in the case.
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff also commented on the situation, calling the events «deeply troubling» and noting that it raises important questions about sexual violence and party culture.
Olivia added that the victim’s experiences are important, as is the failure of those who could have intervened but did not. She emphasized that Jane Doe deserves answers, accountability, and change.
In a civil lawsuit filed on September 16, an unidentified woman referred to as Jane Doe claims she was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house on October 19, 2024. After a party where she consumed alcohol, she was allegedly forced to take ketamine and marijuana, after which she was raped by seven fraternity brothers.
According to the lawsuit, the incident began with two brothers, but later other men joined them, promoting «free sex» in a Snapchat chat. Jane Doe reported the incident a few weeks later, but none of the men faced criminal charges. Only two of the seven fraternity members were temporarily suspended, while the others were instructed to write essays and attend seminars.
Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giffra, told NBC News that her mental health is suffering and that the incident has drastically changed her life. He noted that she had dreamed of attending Cornell but was betrayed by friends and ultimately had to leave the university.
In light of public outrage, New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the Tompkins County prosecutor’s office and Cornell police, announcing that she had directed New York Attorney General Letitia James to take over the criminal investigations in the case.
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff also commented on the situation, calling the events «deeply troubling» and noting that it raises important questions about sexual violence and party culture.
© Kolganov Andrey
