Cornell Accused Student Sent Text Blasting Fraternity Brothers, Lawyer Seeks Gag Order

A civil lawsuit filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe against seven Cornell University fraternity brothers has taken a new turn with the revelation of text messages from one of the accused, Matthew Ingalls, expressing dismay over his fraternity brothers' lack of support. Separately, the legal team for another accused student, Diego Sarabia, has requested a judge impose a gag order on Jane Doe's attorney.

Ingalls and six other members of the Chi Phi fraternity are accused in the lawsuit of raping Jane Doe on October 19, 2024, when she was allegedly incapacitated and unable to consent. The incident reportedly occurred during a Hawaiian-themed party at the fraternity house. All seven men have denied any wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed.

In January 2025, Ingalls sent a text to a fellow accused fraternity member, Gillio Lopes, stating, "Campus is gonna hate my ass for a while," and expressing disappointment. "Talking about 'brotherhood' and then no one except a couple real ones check in, much less acknowledge our existence," Ingalls wrote. Lopes reportedly replied, "Dead a** bro." These messages were voluntarily submitted by the men as part of an inquiry into communications related to the event.

Meanwhile, Sarabia's lawyers have filed a motion asking a judge to prevent Jane Doe's attorney, Thomas Giuffra, from speaking with the press about the case. Sarabia's legal team alleges that Giuffra orchestrated a media campaign prior to the lawsuit's filing last month and argues that his public commentary could prejudice potential jurors. Giuffra has made appearances on multiple news outlets, including CBS, CNN, and NBC News, asserting that his client's allegations remain valid and that newly released text messages do not support claims of consent.

In some of the exchanged text messages, Jane Doe reportedly told another accused student, Jonathan Newell, that "none of the sexual stuff was illegal," and described the encounter as a "gangbang" that was "our body our choice." Giuffra, however, interpreted these messages as indicative of "classic symptoms of delayed recognition" of the gravity of the incident, a phenomenon he stated is documented in medical and psychological literature, suggesting that survivors may not immediately identify sexual assault as rape.

Cornell University conducted an internal investigation into Jane Doe's allegations, holding at least 12 hearings between January and May 2025. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten ultimately decided not to pursue criminal charges. However, the university did impose sanctions: Ingalls and Newell were expelled, Lee and Lopes were suspended and placed on disciplinary probation, Sarabia was declared persona non grata (barred from campus), and Norris and Kretzschmar were required to complete courses and write reflection papers.

The civil lawsuit was filed in September, reopening the case more than a year after the university's investigation concluded. Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, and the Tompkins County District Attorney's office is reviewing the case again.

The allegations and subsequent lawsuit have sparked protests and outrage across campus and nationwide, with supporters demanding that Cornell re-examine its initial decision. The controversy also led to the cancellation of the Cornell Concert Commission's annual homecoming concert.