Exclusive video obtained of Cornell frat's text chain in alleged gang rape investigation

Updated on: September 28, 2026 / 11:38 PM EDT / CBS New York

Exclusive video obtained of Cornell frat's text chain in alleged gang rape investigation

TL;DR

  • The Tompkins County district attorney is reopening the criminal case regarding an alleged gang rape at Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity.
  • The DA stated the victim's original statement did not align with the lawsuit's allegations, describing her participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary.
  • CBS News New York obtained exclusive video of the fraternity's group Snapchat conversation from the night of the alleged rape, containing messages about a woman's availability.
  • Attorneys for the accused deny the allegations; one client's attorney presented a negative hair follicle test for ketamine.
  • Cornell University stated it supports the DA's decision and that its Title IX process resulted in sanctions.
  • The victim's attorney claims investigators did not fully follow up on evidence, including the frat's group chat.