Florence Pugh Denounces Sexual Assault Allegations at Cornell

Florence Pugh has voiced her distress and anger following a lawsuit filed by a former Cornell University student who alleges she was sexually assaulted by seven fraternity members. The lawsuit, filed earlier this month, claims the assault occurred nearly two years ago after the student was drugged.

Pugh shared her reaction on Instagram, stating she felt "uneasy and sick and anxious" after reading about the allegations. She emphasized the need for a strong and vocal reaction from everyone, regardless of gender, and called for men to lead conversations about changing attitudes and complicity surrounding sexual violence.

"How can you expect us to trust that it’s 'not all men' when in moments like this, many of you stay quiet?" Pugh questioned, urging men to be as horrified by such incidents as women are.

The actress also criticized the university's response, as detailed in the lawsuit. The former student reported the incident to campus police about three weeks later. Cornell University suspended the fraternity and seven members on November 8, 2024, with two ultimately expelled and others reportedly offered the chance to write essays as penance. Pugh found this reaction "unacceptable," stating that a brief apology essay is insufficient for "the destroying of a body and killing of a soul."

She commended those at the university who are "fighting for that girl" and "exposing those boys," arguing that those accused and those who protect them should face serious consequences. Pugh noted that educational institutions have "repeatedly" failed women, emboldening perpetrators by suggesting they can inflict harm without reprisal.

Pugh expressed her frustration with institutions prioritizing the futures of accused students over the well-being and truth of survivors. "What about the life that those girls then have to endure, with the knowledge that his reputation is more precious than her truth?" she asked. She added that those who "protect and lightly sentence men that rape and destroy, should be punished and watched closely."

The actress concluded by stating that such situations highlight critical gender inequality and that true equality cannot exist until everyone feels safe. "We are the life force of this earth, start f***ing protecting us. Be angry for us. Please," she urged.

Cornell University issued a statement on September 21 acknowledging the "deeply disturbing allegations." The university stated that its officials "investigated and adjudicated the allegations consistent with university policies" and that the fraternity chapter remains barred from campus. Due to privacy laws, the university could not disclose specific disciplinary actions against individual students but affirmed that violations can lead to sanctions up to expulsion. The school also noted that a task force on campus sexual assault was established after the incident, with some of its recommendations already implemented.

Pugh also appeared on "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon" to discuss her new Netflix series "East of Eden," set to premiere on October 1. In the series, she portrays Cathy Ames, a character whose backstory is explored more deeply than in the original novel. Pugh also shared her method for embodying characters, which includes assigning each a unique scent. The actress also touched upon her role as Yelena in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, crediting Tom Holland for her initial casting.