Texts about alleged Cornell gang-rape released after investigation reopened

Key Points:

• CBS News published excerpts of text messages between a defendant and the woman alleging gang rape at Cornell University, revealing complex and conflicting accounts shortly after New York prosecutors reopened the investigation.
• The alleged assault occurred in October 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity house, where the woman claims she was drugged and repeatedly raped by multiple men over seven hours, with some messages suggesting intoxication and blurred memories on both sides.
• A civil lawsuit names seven men accused of assault, two of whom were expelled by Cornell after an internal probe, while the others faced lesser disciplinary actions but no criminal charges; public outrage followed the handling of the case.
• Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the investigation citing new allegations differing from the original complaint, noting the initial decision not to charge was based on the victim’s earlier statement describing consensual sexual conduct.
• The woman’s attorney confirmed post-assault text exchanges with a defendant and described her as traumatized and seeking clarity, while some accused individuals have denied involvement; additional details include the victim’s statement about intoxication, coercion, and feeling trapped during the incident.