Olivia Rodrigo condemns Cornell and “every institution who protects rapists” over sexual assault case

Olivia Rodrigo has condemned Cornell University and called for action against the seven fraternity brothers who allegedly drugged and gang raped a young woman known as Jane Doe in 2024.

Writing on her Instagram Story, the musician wrote: “Shame on Cornell and on every institution who protects rapists and abusers over women.

“I stand with Jane Doe,” she added. “Her bravery reverberates across the country and the crimes against her will not go unpunished. What she lived through matters, and so does the failure of those who could have intervened but chose not to. She deserves answers, consequences, and lasting change.”

Rodrigo’s statement follows a number of condemnation from other public figures regarding a lawsuit filed in September against Cornell and seven Chi Phi fraternity members.

The plaintiff, known only as Jane Doe, alleges that the former students drugged her with ketamine and alcohol and raped her, as well as inviting other Chi Phi members to join in on the assault via a Snapchat group thread.

All the men denied wrongdoing. The New York Times reported that disciplinary measures had included the expulsion of two of the fraternity members and the barring of one who’d already graduated from campus. Two other men were suspended from Cornell, while the rest of them were reportedly given light punishments.

Cornell also allegedly mishandled its response to Jane Doe’s claims when they were first brought to the university in 2024.

Many artists and public figures have recently spoken out about the Cornell suit, including Lzzy Hale and Florence Pugh.