Olivia Rodrigo speaks out on Cornell sexual assault case, saying 'shame on Cornell'
Olivia Rodrigo speaks out on Cornell sexual assault case, saying 'shame on Cornell'
Hannah Furnell & Frankie CollinsSun, October 4, 2026 at 10:05 PM UTC
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Olivia Rodrigo has shamed the Cornell Seven -Credit:Variety via Getty Images
Olivia Rodrigo publicly condemned the Cornell Seven as she voiced her solidarity with the woman who has accused them of sexual assault.
On September 16, a woman, identified as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against Cornell University and seven former students, claiming she was pressured into consuming ketamine and became fully incapacitated while the students, all members of the Chi Phi fraternity, sexually assaulted her at their on-campus house in October 2024.
Now, Rodrigo has become the latest celebrity to address the contentious case. She posted to her Instagram Story on Sunday, October 4, sharing her forceful reaction, declaring that "every institution who protects rapists and abusers over women" should feel "shame." It comes as the student told cops "I can say with 100% confidence I was raped"
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Doe notified campus police about the alleged attack three weeks afterward the alleged incident, but Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten opted not to pursue charges or additional investigation after examining the campus police's summary of her statement.
Rodrigo wrote, "Shame on Cornell and on every institution who protects rapists and abusers over women. I stand with Jane Doe. Her bravery reverberates across the country and the crimes against her will not go unpunished."
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Rodrigo has become the latest celebrity to address the contentious case.
The singer finished her statement by declaring, "What she lived through matters, and so does the failure of those who could have intervened but chose not to. She deserves answers, consequences, and lasting change."
The men identified in Doe's lawsuit have denied her allegations. No criminal charges have been brought against them.
Van Houten initially chose not to pursue charges in 2024, referencing the information his office had access to at that point. Houten revealed that Doe's lawsuit included allegations he had never encountered before and that Cornell's police had concealed crucial information, as he never received the complete transcript of the woman's interview.
Cornell has launched its own Title IX investigation into the allegations, resulting in disciplinary measures against students, including expulsions and suspensions. The university has confirmed that the Chi Phi chapter continues to be prohibited from campus.
The men identified in Doe's lawsuit have denied her allegations. No criminal charges have been brought against them. -Credit:AP Photo/Matt Rourke
The case has sparked renewed discussion about New York's laws concerning intoxication and consent. Under existing law, voluntary intoxication can pose legal challenges when prosecutors seek to prove that an individual was mentally incapacitated and incapable of consenting.
Lawmakers are once more pushing for amendments to the statute. The case will now be handled by New York's attorney general, Letitia James, who has been appointed as a special prosecutor.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has voiced strong criticism of the police investigation. She stated that Van Houten should have sought additional details from Cornell and conducted an interview with the woman prior to closing the matter.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
