The woman who has accused members of a Cornell University fraternity of drugging and raping her has received threats aimed at pressuring her to abandon her legal case, according to her attorney, as public scrutiny of the university's handling of the allegations continues to grow.
Attorney Thomas Giuffra, who represents the woman identified in court filings as “Jane Doe”, said she has been subjected to multiple threats since filing a civil lawsuit last month against several Cornell students. The lawsuit alleges that she was drugged and raped in 2024 by fraternity members.
Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Giuffra said the threats were intended to intimidate his client into withdrawing the case. He added that he had also been targeted.
The allegations have drawn national attention and renewed debate over how universities, law enforcement and prosecutors respond to sexual assault complaints on campus.
The controversy has prompted Cornell University to reassess the role of fraternities and sororities within its campus community.
In a video message issued on Saturday, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said the university would examine Greek life organisations following criticism over the institution's response to the allegations.
Kotlikoff said such organisations can provide students with friendship, mentorship and a sense of belonging, but stressed that membership in a group does not diminish individual accountability.
The university has faced growing pressure from students, alumni and advocacy groups demanding greater transparency and reforms to campus safety policies.
The case has also led to growing scrutiny of local prosecutors in Tompkins County, New York, over their initial handling of the allegations.
Last week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to review the matter, a move that elevated the case to the state level and signalled concerns about whether the original investigation was handled appropriately.
The appointment has attracted political attention beyond New York.
U.S. President Donald Trump, a long-time critic of James, questioned the decision and suggested that individuals examined by her office would not receive fair treatment.
Giuffra rejected attempts to frame the case through a political lens, arguing that the focus should remain on the allegations and the pursuit of justice.
He said the case was about the claims made by his client rather than broader political disputes surrounding the officials involved in the investigation.
The lawsuit remains ongoing, while the state-level review is expected to examine how authorities responded to the allegations and whether additional action is warranted.
The case has become one of the most closely watched campus sexual assault disputes in the United States, raising questions about accountability, victim protection and the responsibilities of universities when serious allegations are brought against students.
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