Former CBS News New York investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi revealed new screenshots of text messages related to the Cornell University gang rape lawsuit. A former student, claiming to have been drugged and raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024, is at the center of this case. Prosecutors decided to reopen the investigation after discrepancies between the victim’s initial statement and a recently filed civil lawsuit emerged.
The Tompkins County district attorney indicated that the statements made by the victim, known as Jane Doe, varied from the claims outlined in the lawsuit. Reporter Mahsa Saeidi received new information in the form of text message screenshots from a source, allegedly between Doe and one of the accused defendants. These messages were sent two days following the alleged incident.
Screenshots of New Texts
The screenshots revealed a conversation where a man apologized for the events, mentioning his memory was “kinda fuzzy” and admitting regret for not preventing things from getting out of control. Doe responded, acknowledging her memory was also “super clouded” and noted that they were all intoxicated. She mentioned that none of the sexual activities were illegal, expressing a desire to spend more time with him and another man but without the presence of others.
CBS News New York also obtained video footage from the fraternity’s group Snapchat conversation.
Doe’s Attorney Response
Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, confirmed that Doe exchanged texts with the defendant but could not verify if these were the exact messages referenced. Giuffra suggested Doe was in denial and experienced trauma following the alleged assault. He stressed her desire to ascertain the truth about the night in question.
Giuffra stated that Doe felt taking a non-confrontational approach with the defendant might yield more answers. He asserted these text messages were presented during Cornell’s Title IX proceedings and believes the panel acknowledged Doe’s state of denial, as evidenced by the defendant’s expulsion.
Giuffra argued that investigators inadequately pursued the evidence. “Not one of these guys was arrested,” he said, underscoring the perceived oversight.
Cornell’s Impact on Doe
Before obtaining the screenshots and the district attorney’s decision to reopen the case, CBS News New York conversed with Giuffra. He discussed the significance of Cornell in Doe’s life, noting her ambition and hard work to attend the university. Giuffra contended the district attorney’s interpretation of Doe’s statement lacked significant deviation from the lawsuit’s content.
Subsequently, two other defendants have denied the lawsuit’s allegations.