A woman who alleges she was drugged and raped by Cornell University students in 2024 has been subjected to multiple threats, according to her attorney. Thomas Giuffra, who represents the plaintiff identified as “Jane Doe,” told CNN on Sunday that individuals have attempted to intimidate his client into withdrawing her civil lawsuit. The suit, filed in September, alleges that several members of a Cornell fraternity drugged and raped her.
Giuffra disclosed during his appearance on CNN’s State of the Union that he has also been the target of threats. “I’m not afraid of these people,” Giuffra 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 allegations have prompted a broader response from university leadership. On Saturday, Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff released a video message announcing that the institution will examine the role of fraternities and sororities on campus. Addressing the outcry over how the school handled the initial allegations, Kotlikoff noted that while these organizations can foster community and mentorship, “being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility.”
The handling of the case by prosecutors in Tompkins county, New York, has faced significant criticism since the lawsuit was filed. In response to these concerns, New York governor Kathy Hochul appointed state attorney general Letitia James on Thursday to serve as a special prosecutor for the matter. President Donald Trump, a long-standing critic of James, publicly lambasted the appointment on Friday, telling reporters, “And I feel badly for whoever she’s looking at because they won’t get a fair shake.” When asked about the president’s comments, Giuffra stated that the case should not be politicized, emphasizing, “It has nothing to do with politics.”
