The woman suing seven Chi Phi members over an alleged 2024 gang rape was misled about the criminal case, her lawyer said. Thomas Giuffra said Cornell police told her investigators were still working after the prosecutor had dropped it.
Why it matters: District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said her 2024 sworn statement described drug use and sex as consensual. Her lawsuit alleges she was drugged, coerced and incapacitated.
Where they split: Coverage divides over whether the authorities failed the accuser or whether the accused now face a prejudged process.
Center coverage, 13 sources: The center examines institutional failures and underreporting, while one columnist argues James prejudged the case before investigating.
Left coverage, 17 sources: The left focuses on the accuser's account that police and prosecutors kept her in the dark and set her case aside.
Right coverage, 22 sources: The right stresses contradictions between the accuser's 2024 statement and her lawsuit, framing the case around personal responsibility.
What’s next: Hochul removed Van Houten after he reopened the case and appointed James as special prosecutor. James has not said how long her investigation will take.
