Cornell Accuser Texted Frat Brother About Rumors, Sought to Identify 'Rat'

A Cornell University student who later accused seven fraternity brothers of gang rape collaborated with one of the accused, Matthew Ingalls, to identify individuals spreading rumors about them, according to newly surfaced text messages. In messages exchanged shortly after the party where the alleged assault occurred, the student, referred to as Jane Doe, expressed distress over the spreading gossip and her desire to find the source.

"Dude I have no f—king idea, this sh-t is incredibly frustrating and I know how fast nonsense spreads at this school," Ingalls responded to Doe's concerns about rumors. Doe stated that the gossip was "f—king RUINING my life" and that she felt she knew "who some of the rats in the room were."

Ingalls characterized the spread of information as "fan behavior from everyone talking about it. Boring people who have nothing to do with their time." He added that the gossip "just reflects poorly on them tbh."

Doe expressed frustration that others were talking about the incident, stating her "reputation is destroyed and i’m utterly ashamed." She also suggested that those spreading rumors might be motivated by jealousy. Ingalls agreed, texting, "Stupid bitches like to yap, and the fact they’re doing it shows that they’re jealous of you for any number of reasons."

Doe also shared her perspective on evolving social norms, texting, ".…but also like everyone needs to grow up cause sexuality and sex and sh-t is changing and stuff like this is going to become more common,” while also asserting that she is “also really open minded tho.”

Later, Doe indicated that she suspected another accused fraternity brother, Jonathan Newell, of sharing information. "Jonathan def told people. I heard something today and i know he told people," she texted Ingalls. Ingalls denied Newell had spoken to others and suggested upperclassmen might be responsible for the rumors.

On November 7, Ingalls informed Doe that his ex-girlfriend had told him he was being labeled a sexual abuser on campus and asked if Doe had made such allegations. Doe stated she had remained silent but observed that "people are changing the narrative because like in any sexual scenario w one woman and many men the woman was probably victim."

Doe reported the alleged rape to campus police on November 8, the day after requesting a rape kit at an emergency room. Ingalls and Newell were among the seven fraternity brothers named in Doe's lawsuit, who were subsequently expelled from Cornell University. No criminal charges were filed at that time.