Cornell rape case exposes MeToo backlash
NEW YORK: An allegation of gang rape at the elite Cornell University horrified Americans. But when the alleged victim, known only as “Jane Doe”, went public, she suffered a new kind of abuse, her lawyer told AFP.
An allegation of gang rape at elite Cornell University has shocked Americans. The alleged victim, identified only as Jane Doe, has suffered severe abuse since going public, according to her lawyer Thomas Giuffra. Giuffra claims the woman was doxxed, threatened and harassed, illustrating the new backlash against the MeToo movement that aims to expose sexual abuse by men.
Giuffra believes the message sent to other survivors is to keep quiet or face similar consequences. The lawyer also disclosed receiving death threats, stating that some wanted him to abandon the case. Giuffra represented accusers of Harvey Weinstein, whose abuse allegations sparked the MeToo movement. He said he thought progress was being made following MeToo, but the backlash has set things back, particularly from the "manosphere" — people who oppose feminism.
Despite the intimidation, Giuffra said his client wants her lawsuit to change how US universities handle sexual assault. Cornell has already taken several steps to improve support for victims and investigate its 2024 response. However, critics argue the reforms are too little too late. New York's top prosecutor has launched a fresh criminal investigation into the rape allegations after local authorities declined to prosecute in 2024.
Jane Doe, the alleged victim, remains traumatized and takes medication to help her sleep, yet she is praised by her lawyer as a brave woman.
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