Cornell Cancels Between Friends Concert Amid Rape Investigation

Key Points:

• Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Cornell University alleging she was gang raped at a 2024 fraternity party, claiming the university failed to protect her or hold all alleged assailants accountable, prompting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to appoint Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor for an independent review.
• Although the fraternity was banned and two members expelled following the initial report, other participants received lesser punishments, and the Tompkins County district attorney initially declined to press criminal charges; however, prosecutors have since reopened the investigation.
• In response to the controversy and as pressure on Cornell to improve its handling of sexual misconduct complaints, the Ithaca Common Council imposed a temporary moratorium on event permits for Cornell-affiliated organizations until November 5.
• The Cornell Concert Commission canceled a planned October 17 homecoming concert headlined by alt-pop duo Between Friends, expressing solidarity with Jane Doe and survivors of sexual violence, and announced plans for a charity concert focused on sexual violence prevention featuring student performers.