Megyn Kelly Questions Criminality in Cornell Rape Lawsuit, Says Behavior Would Shame Her Sons
Commentator Megyn Kelly voiced skepticism about criminal charges in the Cornell fraternity sexual assault case, while asserting that the accused men's alleged actions would cause her deep shame if her own sons engaged in them.
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly has expressed doubt that the recent Cornell University sexual assault case will lead to criminal charges. Speaking on her show, Kelly, a former lawyer, dedicated a significant portion of her program to discussing the 100-page civil lawsuit filed by a former student.
Kelly stated that the seven men accused in the lawsuit exhibited behavior that would make her "incredibly ashamed" of her own sons. She has two sons, aged 17 and 13, and a 15-year-old daughter with her husband, Douglas Brunt. "None of this is to excuse the bad behavior by the young men involved, or by this woman," Kelly cautioned. "I would like to believe, and I do believe, that my husband and I have raised them in a way that they would never participate in what went down inside that fraternity house."
The lawsuit, filed by a plaintiff identified as 'Jane Doe,' alleges gang rape and drugging at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. The complaint details a group chat among fraternity members, where one member allegedly wrote about "free p***y" being available upstairs where Doe was. The suit claims seven students participated in the assault while Doe was allegedly unable to consent.
Kelly argued that while the behavior described, including "disgusting texts and inappropriate threesomes," is reprehensible, it does not equate to being a rapist. She cited what she called "serious legal problems" with the case, referencing discrepancies in Doe's statements and the legal definitions of consent in New York State. Kelly played a clip of Sunny Hostin from "The View," a former federal prosecutor, who also noted potential inconsistencies in the accuser's statements over time.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten's office had previously determined there was "insufficient evidence to support criminal charges" when the case was first reviewed in 2024. Doe's attorney, Thomas P. Giuffra, has suggested the initial investigation may have been inadequate. Kelly, however, countered that the notion of an Ivy League university downplaying a woman's word seemed absurd.
Kelly acknowledged the potential trauma for Doe, stating, "I don’t blame her for being traumatized. I bet she really is." However, she added, "But that, that doesn’t mean she gets praised as a national hero, folks. That, that is not the move here."
According to the lawsuit, Doe, then 20, had been drinking before arriving at the fraternity house to visit a friend. The suit alleges that she was given more alcohol and coaxed into ingesting a substance described as ketamine. She was then allegedly assaulted while unable to consent. The complaint further states that other fraternity members entered the room, with one texting about "free p***y" in a group chat, which the suit claims "encouraged other… chapter members to join in on the gang rape of plaintiff."
Doe initially reported the incident to Cornell University police on November 8, 2024. Cornell confirmed that while two of the seven accused students were expelled, others received lesser punishments such as suspensions. Lawyers for at least three of the accused have denied criminal wrongdoing, while the others have not yet made public statements.