Florence Pugh Speaks Out on Cornell Lawsuit While Promoting New Series

Actress Florence Pugh has used her platform to draw attention to a civil lawsuit filed by a former Cornell University student alleging sexual assault by fraternity members. Pugh shared her concerns with her 10.7 million Instagram followers in the days leading up to the premiere of her new Netflix series, "East of Eden."

The lawsuit, filed earlier this month in New York Supreme Court, names seven fraternity members and Cornell University. The plaintiff claims she was sexually assaulted by seven Chi Phi fraternity members while drugged nearly two years ago. Her filing alleges that the fraternity members used Snapchat to coordinate the assault, which has left her traumatized.

Pugh, who is currently in New York promoting "East of Eden," addressed the allegations in an extended Instagram statement.

"After reading about the young woman who was gang raped at her college by her friend and school peers, I’m feeling uneasy and sick and anxious," Pugh stated. She emphasized that the alleged incident demands a strong and vocal reaction from everyone, regardless of gender.

"This is really the moment where we need our men to be as horrified and as sickened as us," she continued. "You need to be leading conversations about how we change the allowance and complicity of this behaviour as much as we are. How can you expect us to trust that it’s ‘not all men’ when in moments like this, many of you stay quiet?"

Pugh, who also serves as an executive producer on the series, stated that those complicit in the alleged attack should be viewed with serious concern. "They are as evil as those planning it. To know that a torture as violent as rape is about to happen 'upstairs' and not do ANYTHING ABOUT IT, is sick, cowardly and cold."

A lawyer for one of the accused students has denied all allegations.

Pugh attended a fan event in New York's West Village for "East of Eden," which premieres on Netflix on October 1. The series is an adaptation of John Steinbeck's 1952 novel and focuses on the character Cathy Ames, portrayed by Pugh. The seven-episode series reimagines the novel, with Zoe Kazan writing and executive producing.

Pugh arrived at the event in a sparkly black bralet, which showcased her toned abs, paired with a gray pleated skirt and heels. She completed the look with glittering drop earrings.

"East of Eden" is set between the American Civil War and World War I and explores themes of love, betrayal, and the nature of good versus evil through Cathy Ames's relationships, which create family rifts across two generations.

Pugh's representatives were contacted for further comment by the Daily Mail.