The lawyer representing Jane Doe, the woman who says she was raped at a Cornell University fraternity house in May 2024, told the BBC’s Newsnight programme that she and his client have been receiving death threats since the case has been in the public eye.
No criminal charges were filed immediately after the alleged assault, but Doe’s family filed a civil lawsuit that has brought the matter back to court. Giuffra said the threats have made the legal process feel “unnecessarily hostile” for both the accuser and his legal team.
The attorney also addressed recent comments from former President Donald Trump, noting that public commentary on the case may further inflame tensions. He stressed the importance of a fair judicial process while also advocating for the protection of those who come forward with sexual violence claims.
The case has reignited campus‑wide conversations about safety protocols for fraternity members and the support structures available for survivors. Speakers at a Cornell town‑hall meeting this week called for clearer reporting procedures and more robust resources for victims to ensure they do not face additional intimidation.
