Judge lets Cornell accuser stay anonymous in rape lawsuit
Why it matters: The order also warned that threats, cyberstalking and doxxing tied to the case could trigger federal prosecution.
A New York judge ruled that the former Cornell University student suing over an alleged 2024 gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house can keep proceeding as Jane Doe. In an Oct. 23 order, Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond said the notoriety of the case and reported efforts to identify and harass people tied to it justified anonymity. The woman alleges seven fraternity members drugged and raped her in October 2024; all have denied wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed. Perry-Bond also warned that threats or cyberstalking aimed at the accuser, defendants or lawyers could amount to federal crimes. She invited both sides to propose broader protections for sensitive personal information, including home addresses and other identifying details.