Singer Olivia Rodrigo has publicly expressed support for a former Cornell University student known as Jane Doe. The student alleges that seven fraternity members sexually assaulted her in 2024.
Rodrigo addressed the case in an Instagram post on Saturday. She criticised Cornell and other institutions over their handling of the allegations.
“I stand with Jane Doe,” Rodrigo wrote. She said Doe’s experience deserved answers, consequences and lasting change.
The singer’s comments came as the case received renewed national attention. Doe filed a civil lawsuit in September against seven former members of Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity and other defendants.
Allegations Against Seven Fraternity Members
According to the lawsuit, Doe was a 20-year-old Cornell student when the alleged assault occurred on October 19, 2024.
She alleges that she was given alcohol and drugs, including ketamine, at the Chi Phi fraternity house. She says several fraternity members later sexually assaulted her.
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The allegations have not been proven in court. The seven men named in the lawsuit have not been criminally charged. Lawyers for some of the accused have denied the allegations.
Doe reported the incident to Cornell University Police in November 2024. Cornell later conducted its own Title IX investigation.
The university said the process resulted in expulsions and suspensions involving some students. The Chi Phi chapter was also barred from campus.
Criminal Investigation Reopened
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the criminal investigation in late September.
Van Houten said his office had not previously received some of the information now available. He said prosecutors would review the evidence and determine whether criminal charges should be pursued.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul later appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor.
James’ office said the appointment covers an investigation into the alleged sexual assault at Cornell. She said the investigation would be guided by the facts and the law.
“This is now an active criminal investigation,” James said.
The appointment followed growing criticism of how Cornell and local authorities handled the original allegations.
Cornell Faces Further Scrutiny
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff has said the university will conduct an independent review of its handling of the case.
The university has also said it supports Hochul’s decision to appoint James as special prosecutor.
The case has also sparked the #IAmJaneDoe campaign on social media. Supporters have used the campaign to express solidarity with Doe and other survivors of sexual violence.
Rodrigo’s statement adds to the growing public attention surrounding the case. The criminal investigation is now under the direction of James’ office.
No determination of criminal responsibility has been made against the seven accused men.
