Cornell sexual assault lawsuit draws reactions from celebrities
Cornell sexual assault lawsuit draws reactions from celebrities
Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect TeamFri, October 2, 2026 at 9:14 AM UTC
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Florence Pugh, Mariska Hargitay, Josh Gad, Jameela Jamil and other public figures have commented on allegations involving seven former Cornell students.
Several celebrities and public figures have spoken publicly about allegations in a civil lawsuit filed by a former Cornell University student who alleges she was sexually assaulted by seven members of the university's Chi Phi fraternity in 2024.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Attorneys for several defendants have denied wrongdoing, and the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office has reopened its criminal investigation and said it plans to present evidence to a grand jury.
Florence Pugh speaks out
Actor Florence Pugh was among the first high-profile celebrities to address the allegations.
In an Instagram statement, Pugh said she felt "uneasy and sick and anxious" after reading about the lawsuit and called on men to speak out against sexual violence.
Pugh later said Instagram limited the visibility of her original post and shared a follow-up statement through a second Instagram post.
Mariska Hargitay calls for accountability
"Law & Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay shared a statement through the Joyful Heart Foundation, the advocacy organization she founded.
"We refuse for this victim to be reduced to just another story. Cornell has failed to protect its students," the statement said.
The organization also called for accountability and support for survivors.
Josh Gad criticizes Cornell sanctions
Actor Josh Gad criticized reports about disciplinary sanctions imposed through Cornell's Title IX process.
Cornell has disputed claims that essay-writing assignments were the sole disciplinary consequence for students found responsible through the university's process. The university has said its Title IX investigation resulted in sanctions including expulsions and suspensions.
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Jameela Jamil speaks out
Actor and activist Jameela Jamil expressed outrage over the allegations on Instagram and called for severe consequences for perpetrators of sexual violence.
Hudson Williams calls for arrests
Actor Hudson Williams shared an Instagram Story criticizing the accused students and Cornell University.
According to multiple media reports, Williams shared photos of the accused students and called for their arrests. His comments came after news of the allegations and the reopened criminal investigation.
Because the statement was posted via Instagram Stories, a permanent Instagram post URL does not appear to be publicly available.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addresses allegations
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., also addressed the case as the allegations gained national attention, according to The Cornell Daily Sun.
Ocasio-Cortez discussed the impact the allegations have had on the accuser and criticized what she characterized as institutional failures in responding to sexual assault allegations.
What does the Cornell lawsuit allege?
The lawsuit alleges that seven former Cornell students sexually assaulted the plaintiff at a fraternity house in October 2024.
Defendants have denied wrongdoing through their attorneys. The allegations have not been tested in court.
Cornell has said its Title IX investigation resulted in sanctions including expulsions and suspensions. The university has disputed claims that essay-writing assignments were the only disciplinary action imposed.
The criminal investigation remains active, and the district attorney's office has said it plans to present evidence to a grand jury.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Cornell sexual assault lawsuit draws reactions from celebrities
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