Judge grants anonymity to woman suing Cornell fraternity members

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 02:44 · Archive

A judge has ruled that a woman alleging sexual assault by seven Cornell University fraternity members can remain anonymous throughout her civil lawsuit.

Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond of New York's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the woman can remain anonymous as 'Jane Doe' throughout her civil lawsuit against seven former members of Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity and the university itself. The judge cited the case's highly publicized nature, concerns about retaliation and threats, and potential harm from publicly identifying the plaintiff in granting the protections.

The woman alleges she was drugged, sexually assaulted and gang-raped by the seven men at the fraternity house in 2024. All seven have denied the allegations. The ruling requires court filings to conceal her identity and sensitive personal information, though defendants will be permitted to privately access identifying information when necessary to investigate and prepare their defence, subject to confidentiality protections.

Judge Perry-Bond warned that anyone engaging in cyberstalking, harassment or threats against the plaintiff, defendants or their attorneys could face criminal prosecution. She also suggested that anonymity protections 'should likewise be extended' to the defendants and welcomed such a filing from their legal representatives. Both sides agreed to the accuser's anonymity, according to the Daily Mail.

How it is being reported

• Cornell accuser to remain 'Jane Doe' throughout civil trial…as judge issues stern warning to those trying to expose her identityHer suit claims that at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024 that she was drugged, sexually assaulted and gang raped by the group of seven men, all of whom have denied the accusations.Daily Mail · 24 Oct, 02:23
• Judge allows Jane Doe anonymity in Cornell sexual assault lawsuitJane Doe can remain anonymous in her sexual assault lawsuit involving former members of Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity, a judge ruled.CBS News · 23 Oct, 23:46

In this story: Jane Doe · Cornell University · Chi Phi · Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem