Cornell rape case accuser has received ‘threats’, attorney tells BBC Newshour

October 8, 2026

A woman identified as Jane Doe has filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was raped at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024, though no criminal charges were initially brought in the case. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, revealed during a BBC Newshour interview that both he and his client have been receiving death threats since the case gained public attention. The criminal investigation has been reopened following the civil lawsuit filing.

Who is affected

Jane Doe (the alleged rape victim)
Thomas Giuffra (Jane Doe's attorney)
Cornell University
An unnamed fraternity house at Cornell University
The accused individual(s) at the fraternity house (implied but not named)

What action is being taken

Jane Doe is pursuing a civil lawsuit
The criminal case is being reopened
Thomas Giuffra is speaking to media outlets (specifically BBC Newshour) about the case

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of campus sexual violence and the challenges victims face when seeking justice through both criminal and civil legal systems. The death threats against the accuser and her attorney demonstrate the hostile environment that can emerge around high-profile sexual assault allegations, potentially deterring other victims from coming forward. The involvement of a public figure like Donald Trump in commenting on the case has amplified public attention and controversy.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC