New Insights in Cornell University Alleged Gang Rape Lawsuit

Mahsa Saeidi joined CBS News New York as an investigative reporter in March 2024, bringing her expertise as a journalist and licensed attorney. On September 29, 2026, CBS New York provided an update on an alleged gang rape case involving Cornell University.

Exclusively obtained screenshots reveal new aspects of a lawsuit alleging gang rape during a 2024 incident at the Chi Phi fraternity house. A former student claimed she was drugged and raped. The Tompkins County district attorney announced the reopening of the investigation after discrepancies between the victim’s original statement and the civil lawsuit.

The investigative details, based on screenshots acquired by Mahsa Saeidi, show text exchanges between the former student, referred to as Jane Doe, and a defendant. Apologies were made for the events, with the defendant expressing a fuzzy memory due to intoxication and regret for not preventing the situation from escalating.

The woman replied her memory was “super clouded,” agreeing they were heavily intoxicated. She clarified “none of the sexual stuff was illegal” and expressed a desire to meet again, minus other individuals and substances.

Further evidence includes a video from the fraternity’s group Snapchat. Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, acknowledged Doe’s text exchanges but could not verify the specific messages. Giuffra noted Doe’s denial and trauma post-assault as she sought to understand the events.

Giuffra’s understanding from Cornell’s Title IX proceedings suggested Doe’s denial was evident despite the defendant’s expulsion, indicating the messages’ perceived insignificance. Concerns about investigators’ follow-up are noted, with none of the accused parties arrested.

Before obtaining the screenshots and case reopening, Giuffra shared insights into Doe’s background, emphasizing her aspiration to attend Cornell and the unfortunate disruption of her dreams. He contested discrepancies in the district attorney’s portrayal of Doe’s statement compared to the lawsuit.

Both Doe’s statement and the lawsuit maintain consistency, with other defendants also denying allegations. This complex case at Cornell University continues to unfold with ongoing legal proceedings and scrutiny.