Cornell rape accuser targeted by threats, lawyer says

ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE — Gothic-style architecture of Princeton University surrounded by lush greenery on a summer day.

ITHACA, New York — October 4, 2026

The woman at the center of rape allegations involving Cornell University students has received multiple threats, including warnings that she could be harmed if she does not withdraw her civil lawsuit, her lawyer said Sunday.

The woman, identified in court filings as “Jane Doe,” alleges that several members of a Cornell fraternity drugged and raped her in 2024. Her lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, said the threats were directed at both the woman and him as the case has drawn growing attention online.

Giuffra said in a television interview that the threats appeared connected to efforts to silence the woman and defend those accused in the lawsuit. He said he was not afraid of the people making the threats but described the situation as an attempt to protect the existing system around the allegations.

The identity of Jane Doe has also become a major issue in the online debate surrounding the case. Some women have used the hashtag #IamJaneDoe to show solidarity with her and to oppose efforts to publicly identify her.

Independent journalist and commentator Michael Tracey posted on Friday what he said was the woman's name, but the identity could not be independently verified. He later deleted the post, saying he had made his point.

Tracey has said he sympathizes with the men accused in the lawsuit over harassment they have faced. He also defended his decision to discuss the woman's identity as a matter of public policy and free speech, while telling reporters that he did not intend to encourage threats or harassment against her.

The case has also prompted renewed scrutiny of Cornell's fraternities and sororities. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said Saturday that the university would examine the role of Greek organizations on campus following criticism of how the allegations have been handled.

Kotlikoff said fraternities and sororities can provide friendship, mentorship and a sense of community, but stressed that membership in a group does not remove an individual's responsibility for their actions.

The allegations date to 2024, but scrutiny increased after the woman filed her civil lawsuit last month. Prosecutors in Tompkins County, New York, have faced criticism over their initial handling of the allegations.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul last week appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to review the case. The appointment has drawn political criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has frequently clashed with James.

Trump said Friday that he believed people investigated by James would not receive fair treatment. Giuffra rejected the political framing of the case, saying the allegations and investigation should not become part of a political dispute.

The allegations against the Cornell students remain allegations, and the reported threats against the woman are also based on statements from her lawyer. The investigation and legal proceedings are continuing.