Jane Doe’s case against Cornell and seven former students has become a Rorschach test. One reading is that its a case of gang rape and institutional cover-up. Another reading, based on the text messages sent at the time, is murkier, messier and far less convenient for the outrage industry. These messages tell a different story from the narrative surrounding the lawsuit, and the “believe women” brigade would prefer you didn’t read them.

On October 19, 2024, Jane Doe, a 20-year-old Cornell student, attended a sorority event at Moonies Bar in Ithaca. By her lawsuit’s account, she had had about ten drinks by 11 p.m. She walked to the Chi Phi frat house to see a male friend, Matthew Ingalls. Ketamine was present. Other men came into the room. 

Every accusation is a claim, and claims must be tested

Every accusation is a claim, and claims must be tested

The texts and transcripts that followed contain statements that sit uneasily beside the lawsuit. Asked by police whether she was comfortable with the early sexual activity, Jane Doe said: “I was super drunk… But I was pretty OK with all of this.” The next morning, a roommate says, she recounted the evening laughing:, saying, “Oh my goodness, isn’t that crazy?” and did not call it rape or assault.

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Days later, Jonathan Newell texted an apology for “how things went down.” He said his memory was fuzzy and that he and another man regretted being too drunk to stop things. Her........

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