Cornell University ‘gang rape’ case: One of 7 accused, who sued the Ivy League university over ‘sexual exploitation charges,' loses lawsuit; here’s what we know

One of the seven accused in the alleged Cornell University ‘gang rape’ case sued the Ivy League college in March 2025, citing the consequences he faced due to the incident. He lost his case just a few days ago, as reported by TMZ.

John Doe sued Cornell over the investigation carried out into the alleged sexual assault case that occurred in 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity house. Citing legal documents, TMZ reported that Doe claimed that he received the Snapchat message, "Free P***y," and he and one other frat brother went to the room. He further said that at the time he went inside the room, where the victim, Jane Doe, was allegedly raped, they were unsure if the message was a joke or not.

Doe also stated that he went there to get a new vape, further claiming that "By no means were we going there to get free p***y." According to him, when he arrived, "Everybody in there seemed fine."

What did John Doe claim in his suit

John Doe said that he felt he was not given a proper chance to defend himself at the university's disciplinary hearing. According to him, “charges” linked to sexual exploitation were brought in, but he was only found responsible for “attempted sexual exploitation,” TMZ reported.

The university argued that John Doe received a fair investigation, and the court affirmed the decision. According to the disciplinary panel, responding to the Snapchat message and going up to the room constituted attempted sexual exploitation. Doe also stated that he had no clue that attempted sexual exploitation was even a possible result, and if he were aware, he would have employed a different strategy.

What did the victim say during the hearing?

Jane Doe, the alleged victim, testified during the disciplinary hearing, saying that the two men were like "voyeurs" because "they were just looming." She also stated that at the time they were in the room, she was under a sheet at times, and "she had no specific recollection of whether John Doe saw her naked when she stood up, or if he snorted ketamine off her," as quoted by TMZ.


Also Read: Cornell University ‘gang rape’ victim was lured into a closet and raped by the accused men as she was ‘in and out of consciousness'


During the hearing, she further testified that by even going up to the room after seeing the "free p***y" Snapchat, he was no better than the men who sexually assaulted her. The Ivy League University brought in a no-contact order for John and the alleged victim. He was also asked to attend a class on the issues of social media and sexual harassment, and write a "reflection paper."

The Supreme Court of New York (the trial court) rejected John Doe's petition on September 23, 2026, and upheld the decision taken by the university. The court found that the hearing was properly held and John Doe's rights were fully protected.