Clothing Brand Pulls "I Am Jane Doe" Collection After Outrage

Cherry Kitten, an alternative clothing label, has removed its "I am Jane Doe" collection following widespread criticism for what many called profiting from the alleged rape scandal at Cornell University.

The collection, which included t-shirts, vests, and crop tops bearing the slogan "I am Jane Doe"—a reference to the social media movement supporting the accuser in the case—was launched last month. The brand stated that five percent of net sales would be donated to the National Organization for Women.

However, the line quickly drew criticism on social media platforms. Users questioned the commercialization of a sensitive legal case, with many labeling the collection "distasteful," "disgusting," and "truly dystopian."

In response to the backlash, Cherry Kitten reportedly issued a statement via its Instagram Story, acknowledging the misstep. "We got this one wrong," the statement read. "We recognize that turning a real and deeply serious situation into a product was not an appropriate way to show support." The brand announced the design had been removed and would not be pursued further, apologizing for a lack of careful consideration.

The collection is no longer available on the brand's website.

The lawsuit at the center of the controversy was filed last month in New York Supreme Court by a former Cornell student, identified only as Jane Doe. The complaint details allegations that she was sexually assaulted on October 19, 2024, after arriving at the Chi Phi fraternity house heavily intoxicated. The lawsuit claims she was pressured to consume ketamine and other substances before being assaulted by seven men as she became incapacitated. It also alleges that during the incident, a message circulated in a fraternity Snapchat group referring to Doe as "free pussy."

Doe reported the allegations to Cornell University Police on November 8. While criminal charges were not filed against any of the alleged attackers, two students were expelled from the university. Lawyers for some of the accused students have denied the allegations, with some interviewed by university investigators describing the sexual activity as consensual.