The woman identified as Jane Doe in a civil lawsuit against several Cornell University students has been the target of multiple threats, her lawyer told CNN. Thomas Giuffra, who represents Doe, said people have threatened to silence or harm her if she does not withdraw the lawsuit.
"She's received multiple threats," Giuffra said on CNN's State of the Union. He said he had also been threatened, adding: "I'm not afraid of these people. But the threats, the abuse to protect what's going on, the status quo — these guys are disgusting. They should stay in their mother's basement and stay out of the world."
The threats come amid an outcry over the handling of the 2024 rape allegations. Since the lawsuit was filed last month, prosecutors in New York have faced criticism for their initial handling of the case. New York Governor Kathy Hochul last week named state Attorney-General Letitia James as special prosecutor to look into the case.
In a video, Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff said the university would examine the role of fraternities and sororities on campus following the outcry. "At their best, these organisations can provide students with friendship, belonging, mentorship and a powerful sense of community," he said. "But being part of a group can never diminish individual responsibility."
The case has drawn political attention. US President Donald Trump, a critic of James for years, lambasted the decision to appoint her. "I feel badly for whoever she's looking at because they won't get a fair shake," Trump told reporters on Friday. Asked about the president's comment, Giuffra said the case should not be politicised. "It has nothing to do with politics," he said.