The woman who has alleged that she was drugged and raped by Cornell University students has been the target of threats, her lawyer said on Sunday.
Thomas Giuffra, who represents the woman identified as “Jane Doe”, told CNN 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.
Giuffra said 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.“
The Cornell University president, Michael Kotlikoff, said in a video message on Saturday that the university will examine the role of fraternities and sororities on campus after 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.”
Since the lawsuit was filed in September, prosecutors in Tompkins county, New York – where Cornell is – have been criticized for their initial handling of the allegations in 2024. The New York governor, Kathy Hochul, on Thursday named state attorney general Letitia James as special prosecutor to look into the case.
Donald Trump, a critic of James for years, lambasted the decision to appoint her. “And I feel badly for whoever she’s looking at because they won’t get a fair shake,” the president told reporters on Friday.
Asked about Trump’s comment, Giuffra said the case shouldn’t be politicized. “It has nothing to do with politics,” Giuffra said.
Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organizations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html