The Cornell 7 - Why Weren't There Charges?

Seven fraternity members have been accused of sexually assaulting a female student at Cornell University in 2024. But despite the alleged incident being reported nearly two years ago, no criminal charges were brought forward.

Now, New York’s attorney general has taken over the Cornell fraternity sexual assault investigation, placing the university’s response and the original decision not to prosecute under renewed scrutiny.

In this episode Kayla is joined by senior investigative reporter Dana Kennedy to examine Jane Doe’s civil lawsuit, which put the allegations under the spotlight. They review the alleged Snapchat messages at the centre of the controversy, and the dispute over what evidence reached prosecutors. They also explain the different disciplinary outcomes for the accused, known as the “Cornell 7”, the public denials from three men’s lawyers, and how New York’s intoxication law could shape the next stage of the case.

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Presenter: Kayla Brantley

Producer: Sam Morris

Editor: Buddy Peace

Creative Director: Caroline Cheetham