Crime & justice

Cornell Fraternity Member Makes Consent Allegation

Is this a credible allegation, or is it time to shine a light on the dark side of campus fraternities?

3 hours ago·Updated 1 hour ago

Cornell Fraternity Member Makes Consent Allegation

Story

Above: Students protest at Ho Plaza on Cornell University's campus in Ithaca, N.Y., on Oct. 5. Image credit: Matt Burkhartt/The Washington Post/Getty Images

The Facts

Matthew Ingalls, one of seven former Cornell University Chi Phi fraternity members accused of gang rape in a lawsuit, allegedly told campus police he was too intoxicated from alcohol and ketamine to consent and suggested that the accuser assaulted him, ABC News reported.
New York Post
Independent
ABC News
In an email to Cornell's Title IX investigator, Ingalls accused the school of "entrapment" and said the process was marked by gender discrimination, suggesting he could file his own complaint against the accuser, referred to in court papers as Jane Doe.
Independent
The Economic Times
On an alleged phone call with the woman, who recorded it before going to police, Ingalls insisted she had told him she was sober that night. She rejected that account, saying he already knew she was "10 shots deep" when she arrived at the Chi Phi house.
New York Post
The Post Millennial
Four of the seven men acknowledged sexual contact with the woman in Cornell's internal investigation and three denied it. Two told investigators she initiated activity without asking their consent; all seven denied wrongdoing.
Daily Mail
Daily Wire
Cornell's internal process led to the expulsion of two students, including Ingalls, and sanctions for others, with the lawsuit alleging some were asked only to submit essays. The university hired a firm led by Sally Yates to review its handling.
Daily Mail
The Economic Times
No charges were filed after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten cited insufficient evidence, though he reopened the case after the September lawsuit. Gov. Kathy Hochul later named Attorney General Letitia James special prosecutor.
Daily Wire
The Post Millennial

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

After being branded a rapist without due process, Ingalls is understandably using the same ambiguous legal standards to defend himself. This entire saga is full of degeneracy and confusion, and it would be unfair to allow sympathy for only one party based solely on gender.

Daily Wire

Breitbart

Narrative B

While the legal process must continue, this horrific incident shows exactly how rotten frat culture has gotten, and campuses keep shielding it. Survivors often need weeks to name what happened, so a delayed report and shifting details prove nothing beyond how brutal the reporting process is.

CBS News

Atlantic

Limited Coverage

This story currently has limited reporting from left-leaning sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.