Cornell University professor backs ‘gang rape’ victim, breaks silence on sexual assault allegations as ‘I Am Jane Doe’ moment sparks social media buzz

Kate Manne, a professor at Cornell University, has said that rape is 100 percent the fault of the rapist and is never the fault of the victim. Her remarks on sexual assault come weeks after a former student of the Ivy League university filed a new lawsuit accusing seven Chi Phi fraternity members of drugging her and “gang-raping” her in October 2024.

Fresh allegations by the victim, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe, have given the alleged incident renewed attention and sparked national outrage. The new lawsuit has also taken social media by storm, triggering the "I Am Jane Doe" movement.

While speaking on Sunday's special episode of "Call Her Daddy," Manne expressed her complete support for Doe and slammed those indulging in victim blaming. She also lashed out at the way the girl is being treated for coming forward with explosive sexual assault allegations.


“I want to be completely clear. If you go to the worst frat on the worst night and get absolutely shitfaced, anything that happens to you is 100% the fault of the people who do that bad thing. Rape is always 100% the fault of the rapist, 0% on the victim. But that's a question,” Manne said.




“That's a conversation about morality and who is to blame for rape. Again, 100% the rapist. So, does that make sense that I want young women to feel very clear that I would never even remotely hold them responsible in any way for any sill that befalls them? And at the same time, if they're practicing forward-looking self-protection, then I do want to acknowledge that there may be ways to minimize risk and I want them to have that information.


Also Read: Matthew Ingalls, one of seven Cornell Chi Phi brothers accused of ‘gang rape’ with Dubai roots, 'hates' America; here’s why


She also cleared her position on the Cornell case, stating, "For the record, I believe Jane Doe." The professor also raised questions on the kind of attention being given towards the futures of accused men rather than the women who say they've been assaulted. "So many people worried about him missing out on his bright future. What about her bright future?" Manne asked.