Text Messages Reveal Accuser's Prior Concerns Amid Cornell Fraternity Rape Allegations

The former Cornell student accusing seven fraternity brothers of gang raping her expressed concerns about being mistaken for transgender in text messages to one of the accused, Matthew Umar Ingalls. These messages surfaced following her allegations related to an October 2024 party. In the texts, identified only as Jane Doe, she mentioned previous rumors about her gender identity and how they had faded over time. "Silence is the most powerful response always but I always want to say something is the prob," she wrote to Ingalls, discussing how to handle gossip about the party. A day later, she reiterated her concerns about the rumors affecting her life, stating, "Also I had transgender allegations last year too so if anyone mentions it I mention the fact that I’ve been rumored about so many times. And we know I’m not transgender so." Ingalls responded with laughter emojis. Doe also communicated with another accused fraternity member, Jonathan Newell, asking about lost earrings and reassuring him that "none of the sexual stuff was illegal." However, her tone shifted in a later message where she stated, "Let’s be clear that 90% of what happened that night was not consensual." Following the incident, Doe sought a rape kit and reported the assault to the police. The fraternity was suspended, and while no criminal charges were filed against the fraternity brothers, Ingalls and Newell were expelled from Cornell. The case has gained national attention after Doe filed a lawsuit, prompting authorities to reopen the investigation. All seven men named in the lawsuit deny the allegations.