'Free P-—y Upstairs' Cornell Lawsuit Reveals Alleged Snapchat Message Sent During Seven-Hour Ordeal

A former Cornell University student alleges a Chi Phi fraternity member sent a Snapchat message advertising 'free p—y' upstairs while she was being sexually assaulted during an hours-long ordeal at the fraternity's Ithaca house.

The message was allegedly posted at 1:42am on 20 October 2024 to a group called 'Chi Phi Actives,' according to a civil lawsuit filed this month.

The woman, only identified as Jane Doe, accuses seven current or former fraternity members of drugging and sexually assaulting her. The allegations have not been proven in court, and none of the seven has been criminally charged.

What the Cornell Lawsuit Alleges

The complainant, who was 20 at the time, alleges she arrived at the Chi Phi house late on 19 October after drinking earlier that evening.

She says Matthew Ingalls and Johnathan Newell pressured her to take a white substance they described as ketamine, alongside marijuana and high-proof alcohol. It alleges sexual activity then took place without her consent as other fraternity members entered the room.

The seven men named as defendants are Ingalls, Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar. They are defendants in a civil case, not convicted offenders.

'Free P—y' Snapchat Message Detailed in Filing

One of the most striking pieces of evidence cited in the 101-page complaint is a screenshot allegedly taken from the 'Chi Phi Actives' Snapchat group.

At approximately 1:42am, Newell allegedly posted that there was 'free pussy' upstairs, according to the complaint. The Cornell Daily Sun, which reviewed the lawsuit, reported that the filing describes the message as encouraging other fraternity members to join him.

The lawsuit alleges more members subsequently entered while the alleged victim attempted to cover herself under bedcovers. She claims her phone was across the room and she felt unable to escape.

The complaint further alleges Newell ordered her to take more of the substance described as ketamine in a sexually degrading manner. It claims the alleged assaults continued until approximately 5:45am.

Cornell Responds to Chi Phi Allegations

The woman later reported the incident to Cornell University Police, prompting a university investigation.

Her lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, has said two of the seven students were ultimately expelled, while others received lesser disciplinary measures. Cornell has not publicly confirmed individual sanctions, citing federal student privacy requirements.

Cornell previously described the alleged behaviour as 'abhorrent' and said it could not be tolerated within its community. The university has since said its ability to discuss individual disciplinary proceedings is restricted.

According to reports, the lawsuit also names Cornell, Chi Phi organisations, sorority organisations, a former chapter president, a local nightclub and other defendants.

Cornell Case Could Go Before Grand Jury

The allegations are now facing renewed criminal examination.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten told ABC News on 27 September that prosecutors intend to present the case to a grand jury with the complainant's cooperation. He said his office is reviewing whether evidence now available could change its earlier assessment.

Van Houten also said parts of the civil complaint are 'dramatically different' from the woman's original statement to police. That discrepancy is now among the issues being examined.

No criminal charges have been filed against the seven men for now. Meanwhile, the civil lawsuit remains pending, meaning its allegations, including the circumstances surrounding the Snapchat message and the alleged assaults, remain claims to be tested through the legal process.