This article mentions allegations of sexual assault.
Over the last week or so, an incredibly troubling story has dominated social media after a survivor of alleged sexual assault, referred to only as Jane Doe, filed a detailed 101-page civil lawsuit against Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven men.
The lawsuit details an alleged gang rape that took place at the now-barred Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell on Oct. 19, 2024, with disturbing claims from the suit sparking widespread discussion online.
This includes the claim that Cornell University’s response to Jane Doe’s allegations was to give the seven men accused "the opportunity to mitigate their conduct by submitting essays to Cornell.” In a statement, Cornell has insisted that it issued "a range of sanctions, which included expulsions and suspensions from Cornell."
"Any suggestion that the university did not impose consequential punishments for those involved is false," it added, noting that the Chi Phi fraternity was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus.
It has now been confirmed that New York state prosecutors have reopened an investigation into the case, and you can read more about the whole story here.
Arguably, one of the most concerning details from the case is that after Jane Doe — who was 20 years old at the time — was allegedly "plied with alcohol and drugs to the point of intoxication," the men are accused of using a Snapchat group chat to invite others to join the sexual assault.
Screenshots from the chat have been circulated on social media in recent days, with more than 50 men reportedly in the group. This has triggered a wider conversation about the fact that while the other men in the group did not join in with what was going on, they seemingly did not report it, nor make any effort to stop the alleged assault from happening.
Florence Pugh has been one of the most vocal celebrities when it comes to this case, and she recently shared a viral post to her Instagram story that sums up the discourse. It reads: “Not all men. But every man in that group chat who didn’t go upstairs but stayed quiet.”
“Every single person who knew or heard about this happening, should be looked at with serious concern. They are as evil as those planning it,” Florence added in a powerful statement shared to her grid. “To know that a torture as violent as rape is about to happen ‘upstairs’ and not do ANYTHING ABOUT IT, is sick, cowardly and cold.”
Christina Ricci is another celebrity who has been using their Instagram platform to raise awareness on this case, sharing a series of viral posts about it to her Instagram story. And on Tuesday, the 46-year-old mom-of-two shared that she’d had an important conversation with her preteen son off the back of the discourse.
For reference, Christina shares 12-year-old Freddie with her ex-husband, James Heerdegen. She is also mom to a 4-year-old daughter called Cleo, who she shares with her husband, Mark Hampton.
“Had the conversation with my 12 year old son last night,” Christina’s post began. “He knows exactly what to do if he EVER gets sent anything like that on a group chat or anywhere else. He also knows that he’s to use his size, gender and priveledge in this world to protect others.”
“Talk to your boys. Make sure they know exactly what to do,” she went on. “In the time of bloated, orange, rapist villains inspire them to be HEROES.”
Well said, Christina — as always, let me know your thoughts down below.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.
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