Olivia Rodrigo has publicly voiced support for a former Cornell University student who alleges she was sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in 2024, while sharply criticizing the university’s handling of the case. In an Instagram Story, Rodrigo condemned institutions she says protect alleged perpetrators and said she stands with the woman identified publicly as ‘Jane Doe.’
“Shame on Cornell and on every institution who protects rapists and abusers over women,” Olivia Rodrigo wrote. “I stand with Jane Doe. Her bravery reverberates across the country and the crimes against her will not go unpunished.” She continued, “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.”
Rodrigo’s statement comes after a civil lawsuit filed in September 2026 brought renewed attention to allegations stemming from an October 19, 2024, incident at the Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell. Jane Doe alleges that she arrived at the house while intoxicated, was pressured to consume ketamine and other substances, and was subsequently sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members over several hours.
According to transcripts cited in reporting on the case, Jane Doe told Cornell police and Title IX investigators that she was “100 percent” certain she had been raped. A condensed six-page statement later forwarded by campus police to prosecutors did not include that explicit characterization, instead summarizing the encounter in terms that prosecutors ultimately viewed as describing voluntary sexual activity.
The Tompkins County district attorney’s office declined to bring criminal charges in late 2024 based on the material it received. Cornell’s separate Title IX investigation reached a different conclusion on the university’s disciplinary process, resulting in expulsions and suspensions for some of the men involved, while the local Chi Phi chapter was permanently closed. Jane Doe later left Cornell.
Her September 2026 lawsuit names Cornell, the fraternity, seven men and other parties, alleging that the university failed to adequately protect her and mishandled its response. The defendants and attorneys for some of the accused have denied wrongdoing, with lawyers maintaining that sexual contact that occurred was consensual. No criminal charges have been filed against the accused.
The controversy intensified after the discrepancy between the full interview transcript and the statement sent to prosecutors came under scrutiny. The district attorney subsequently reopened the criminal inquiry, while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor following criticism of the original investigation.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff has described the allegations as deeply disturbing and announced plans for an independent outside review of the university’s handling of the case. Rodrigo’s statement places her among a growing group of prominent figures speaking publicly about the controversy, including Florence Pugh and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Photo: Olivia Parker
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