Cornell Rape Accuser Says She Was Assaulted While Losing Consciousness

A Cornell University student who is accusing seven fraternity members of drugging and raping her claims she was assaulted in a closet while repeatedly losing consciousness. The account is detailed in Cornell University's months-long Title IX investigation into the events of Oct. 19, 2024.

The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, told campus police that two fraternity brothers led her into a closet at the Chi Phi house, where she was repeatedly raped, even as she was blacking out. "It was just raping," she said, according to findings obtained by CBS News. She told investigators she "felt like bait" and "like lions around me. It just was a totally debilitating place to be in," the then-sophomore stated at a university hearing.

The seven Chi Phi students are accused in a civil lawsuit of raping and sexually assaulting her over several hours at the fraternity house. The investigation also uncovered Snapchat messages from a group chat, "Chi Phi Actives." In the messages, one of the accused allegedly texted about "free p---y" after a photo of Jane Doe, who was 20 at the time, was shared. In another exchange sent shortly before 1:45 a.m., one student asked, "Shop still open?" and another replied, "Yea."

New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken over the criminal investigation as special prosecutor, replacing the Tompkins County District Attorney. Her office will review the evidence and pursue prosecution if wrongdoing is found. No criminal charges have been filed to date.

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE.