Jane Doe Faces Threats, Swatting After Cornell Rape Lawsuit

A former Cornell University student, identified as Jane Doe, is facing threats and a swatting incident after filing a lawsuit alleging gang rape at a campus fraternity in October 2024.

Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, told ABC News that Doe has experienced doxxing attempts and threats in the three weeks since filing the lawsuit. On Tuesday, police were called to Doe's parents' home following a false report of a homicide, an incident Giuffra described as a swatting. Doe claims in her lawsuit that she was drugged and gang-raped by seven members of the now-defunct Chi Phi fraternity.

None of the men have been criminally charged, and all have denied wrongdoing. Cornell University stated on September 21 that it investigates allegations of sexual violence seriously and has adjudicated them consistent with university policies, issuing sanctions including expulsions and suspensions. A Title IX investigation by the university also concluded. Giuffra has criticized Cornell officials and law enforcement for a sequence of failures in handling the situation.

Documents obtained by CBS News detail Doe's allegations, the Cornell police investigation, and responses from some accused fraternity members. One accused member's attorney stated his client believes he did nothing to be remorseful about, though Cornell's Title IX investigation found he should have known Doe was incapacitated. Nationwide protests under the banner "#StopSexualViolence: From the Frat House to the White House" are planned for October 8, organized by groups including Women's March and me too.

International, calling for justice for Doe and other survivors. Some coverage has focused on the public response and the broader implications for campus sexual assault conversations, while other outlets have published opinion pieces discussing blame and masculinity.