Judge lets Cornell fraternity lawsuit accuser remain anonymous as Jane Doe

The short version

• A judge allowed the former Cornell student who sued Chi Phi members to keep using the pseudonym Jane Doe, and none of the defendants opposed the request.[Fox News]
• Doe's September lawsuit accuses seven former fraternity members of drugging and raping her on Oct. 19, 2024, and into the next morning.[Fox News]
• The individually named defendants will still be identified in court filings, and the accused men deny wrongdoing, with some saying any sexual activity was consensual.[Fox News]
• Gov. Kathy Hochul removed prosecutor Matthew Van Houten, who had initially declined charges, and appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor.[Fox News]

Key facts

• A judge allowed the former Cornell student who sued Chi Phi members to keep using the pseudonym Jane Doe.[Fox News]
• None of the defendants opposed Doe's request to use a pseudonym, according to the order.[Fox News]
• Doe's September lawsuit accuses seven former fraternity members of drugging and raping her on the night of Oct. 19, 2024, and into the next morning.[Fox News]
• The individually named defendants will continue to be identified in court filings.[Fox News]
• The accused men have denied wrongdoing, with some saying any sexual activity was consensual and others denying involvement.[Fox News]
• Prosecutor Matthew Van Houten initially declined to pursue criminal charges and has said Doe's sworn November 2024 statement did not allege she was drugged against her will or gang-raped.[Fox News]
• Gov. Kathy Hochul removed Van Houten from the case and appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor.[Fox News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Cornell rape accuser can remain 'Jane Doe' as judge warns threats could lead to federal chargesFox News - US News