Olivia Rodrigo Tells Cornell 'Shame on Every Institution Who Protects Rapists' Over Alleged Assault

Olivia Rodrigo has criticised Cornell University as scrutiny grows over its handling of sexual assault allegations involving a former student in New York.

The singer shared a statement on Instagram Stories over the weekend supporting the woman identified in court proceedings as Jane Doe.

Doe filed a civil lawsuit in New York County Supreme Court on 16 September. She alleges that seven men who were members of Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity chapter sexually assaulted her in October 2024 after she was given alcohol and drugs.

No criminal charges had been filed against the men as of 5 October. However, New York authorities have reopened a criminal investigation into the allegations, while the civil lawsuit remains pending.

Olivia Rodrigo Says She Stands With Jane Doe

'Shame on Cornell and on every institution who protects rapists and abusers over women,' Rodrigo wrote. She also directly expressed support for Doe and called for accountability over what the former student alleges happened to her.

'I stand with Jane Doe. Her bravery reverberates across the country and the crimes against her will not go unpunished,' Rodrigo said.

'What she lived through matters, and so does the failure of those who could have intervened but chose not to. She deserves answers, consequences, and lasting change.'

Rodrigo's references to 'rapists', 'abusers' and 'crimes' are her characterisation of the allegations. They are not findings reached by a criminal or civil court. The allegations contained in Doe's lawsuit have not been established at trial. Lawyers representing at least two of the men have publicly denied the accusations.

Cornell has also taken disciplinary action connected with its internal investigation. The university closed the Chi Phi chapter in 2024 and has kept it barred from campus.

Cornell has said its disciplinary process resulted in expulsions and suspensions, although privacy rules limit what the university can disclose about individual students.

Rodrigo is among several celebrities who have publicly commented on the allegations. Florence Pugh, Josh Gad, Rebel Wilson and Mariska Hargitay have also spoken about the case.

Their involvement has drawn wider attention to questions about Cornell's response and how investigators handled the original criminal case.

New York Appoints Special Prosecutor

The legal situation has changed since Doe filed her civil complaint in September. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the criminal investigation on 28 September following renewed attention surrounding the lawsuit.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul later called for an independent examination of Cornell's handling of the allegations. Cornell subsequently agreed to retain outside counsel to conduct that review. The review of Cornell's institutional response is separate from the criminal investigation into the alleged assault.

On 1 October, Hochul signed Executive Order 64 directing the New York Attorney General's Office to serve as special prosecutor. Attorney General Letitia James said her office would carry out a process guided by 'the facts and the law.'

The executive order authorises the Attorney General's Office to investigate the alleged October 2024 sexual assault. The office may also present evidence to a grand jury and prosecute offences if investigators determine that such action is warranted.

The appointment itself does not mean criminal charges have been filed or that the allegations have been proved. That distinction matters given the force of Rodrigo's comments. Her statement represents public advocacy for Doe rather than evidence establishing criminal responsibility.

Cornell Case Remains Unresolved

Rodrigo's intervention has added another prominent voice to the scrutiny surrounding Cornell while state authorities examine both the allegations and the university's response.

Her comments did not introduce new evidence into the civil lawsuit or renewed criminal investigation. Instead, Rodrigo publicly backed Doe and criticised what she characterised as institutional failures surrounding the case.

The distinction between those public statements and legal findings remains essential. Doe's civil complaint contains serious allegations, while the men accused dispute at least some of those claims and have not been convicted of any offence connected with the case.

The independent review commissioned by Cornell could provide further information about how university officials responded to the allegations and whether existing procedures were followed.

Separately, the Attorney General's investigation will determine whether available evidence supports further criminal proceedings.

For now, the civil lawsuit remains unresolved, and the renewed criminal investigation is continuing. Any determination of criminal responsibility will depend on the evidence investigators gather and, if prosecutors ultimately bring charges, the judicial process.