A sexual assault case involving Cornell University students has drawn attention after the victim, known only as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit against her alleged abusers, who were members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The filing prompted the District Attorney’s Office to revisit the allegations and reopen a criminal investigation. As the case receives renewed scrutiny, two of the seven men have responded to Jane Doe’s claims through their lawyers.
2024 Cornell Rape Case Garners New Attention
In September, a former Cornell University student filed a civil lawsuit stemming from an alleged gang rape that occurred in 2024. The complaint, filed in New York Supreme Court, named the university, seven men, chapters of the Chi Phi fraternity, and other entities.
In her filing, Jane Doe claimed that the seven Chi Phi fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted her at their frat house in October 2024. The suit also alleges the university prioritized its image as an Ivy League school over her safety and carried out lenient punishments, including writing an essay, per Courthouse News Service. No criminal charges were filed against the seven individuals.
Cornell University has addressed the case, saying it conducted a months-long investigation that ultimately resulted in a “range of sanctions, which included expulsions and suspensions from Cornell.” They also confirmed that the Xi Chapter of the Chi Phi fraternity was shut down in 2024.
The Case Will Be Presented To A Grand Jury
Cornell University supports the decision of the Tompkins County District Attorney to provide an opportunity for the victim’s story in the 2024 Chi Phi fraternity sexual assault case to be heard by a criminal grand jury.Our statement: Cornell University (@Cornell) September 28, 2026
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten has reopened the criminal investigation into the Cornell rape case following the civil lawsuit.
Van Houten said his office chose not to prosecute in 2024 because of Jane Doe’s sworn statement in the original report.
“Jane Doe’s sworn statement in November of 2024 did not allege that she was drugged against her will or gang raped. On the contrary, Jane Doe’s statement described her participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, conscious, and consensual,” Van Houten stated, adding that following their review, they could not file criminal charges against the alleged perpetrators.
He also attached a redacted version of Jane Doe’s sworn statement.
Amid the outrcy for justice, Van Houten has started the process of pursuing criminal charges against the seven men that will be presented to a grand jury.
One Defendant Cites Follicle Test As Proof Of Innocence
Scott Kretzschmar, one of the seven Cornell fraternity brothers accused in a gang rape lawsuit made an “immature” comment in the group’s Snapchat, but that’s where his involvement begins and ends … at least according to his lawyer, Jeremy Saland. pic.twitter.com/EHxGAoq1a6— Greg 🇺🇸 ✭ (@GregB_TX) September 28, 2026
Scott Kretzschmar, one of the accused Cornell students, released a statement via his attorney, Jeremy Saland, saying they welcome the chance to respond to Jane Doe’s accusations.
Saland noted that his client was accused of “snorting ketamine” off Jane Doe’s body, but said he has scientific evidence that contradicts the allegation. He pointed to Kretzschmar’s follicle test that showed he had no ketamine in his system.
“He never snorted ketamine, never has snorted ketamine, and the allegations against him are false,” Saland told PEOPLE. He further noted that his client “never sexually assaulted or even touched” Jane Doe.
Another Defendant Denied Engaging In Sexual Activity Or Drug Use
Scott here thinks he’s totally in the clear because while he heard about a rape commented on a rape witnessed the rape and did nothing about it, he didn’t actually rape anybody so we should all just leave him alone. pic.twitter.com/LUcsSUUe7j— crunchyrugger (@crunchyrugger) September 28, 2026
Another defendant, Scott Norris, released a statement via his lawyer, denying that he participated in any rape or drug use.
“I was not found responsible by Cornell for any of the accusations involving sexual activity and drug use for which others received serious consequences,” he said, per ABC News. However, he did admit engaging with other frat members in the group chat and dropping by the room where the rape allegedly happened, “but not when it happened.”
Per Jane Doe’s complaint, frat members alerted other members that there was “free p—y” while she was incapacitated, inviting others to join the sexual assault.
Public Outrage Grows As Cornell Rape Case Is Reexamined
Actress Florence Pugh has spoken out about the Cornell rape case, criticizing the university for protecting students and urging men to speak out. “Be angry for us. Please,” she said.
Josh Gad also released a statement on social media, condemning the university’s disciplinary action. “That’s a violent and sick criminal act that doesn’t take a f-cking Cornell degree to understand is evil,” he wrote.
Toby Morton, a writer, has targeted the seven men and Cornell employees, launching a website where he plans to publish details about the case. He said he wants to hold those involved accountable, adding, “I have no limits, no boundaries, nobody to tell me I’ve gone too far.”
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