Cornell University ‘gang rape’ victim receiving threats to withdraw lawsuit against former students; her lawyer makes shocking claims as Ivy League institution remains under fire

Jane Doe, the alleged victim of the Cornell University gang rape, has been the target of threats, her lawyer said on Sunday (October 4, 2026). The alleged incident of sexual assault occurred in 2024. It resurfaced after the woman, who was a student of Cornell University but left it following the incident, filed a new lawsuit in September 2026. She alleged that she was drugged and raped by the university students.

Speaking to CNN, Thomas Giuffra, who represents Jane Doe, said that people have threatened to silence or harm her if she does not withdraw her civil lawsuit alleging that several members of a Cornell fraternity drugged and raped her in 2024. "She's received multiple threats," Giuffra said on CNN's "State of the Union." He further said that he had also been threatened.

"I'm not afraid of these people," he said. "But the threats, the abuse to protect what's going on, the status quo—these guys are disgusting. They should stay in their mother's basement and stay out of the world." Fresh claims that emerged in the new lawsuit filed in 2026 against the university and seven former students have brought Cornell University under scrutiny.


Amid the mounting pressure, Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff came forward and broke his silence on the incident. He said that the university will examine the role of fraternities and sororities on campus following the outcry over the school's handling of the rape allegations.

"At their best, these organizations can provide ​students with friendship, belonging, mentorship, and a powerful sense of community," he said. "But being part of ​a group can never diminish individual responsibility."


Also Read: Was Cornell aware of drug use at the Chi Phi fraternity house before the ‘gang rape’ incident? Fresh claims emerge as Ivy Leaugue university remains under scrutiny


According to the September lawsuit, the victim was allegedly pressured into taking ketamine and gang-raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house by several individuals during a party in 2024. The lawsuit was filed against the university and seven students. On the night of the incident, she allegedly arrived at the Chi Phi frat house and was allegedly plied with ketamine later that night.