Cornell University’s homecoming concert has been cancelled amid a sexual assault scandal, with the student organisers saying they stand with the alleged victim, known as Jane Doe, and other survivors of sexual violence.
The Cornell Concerts Commission said the event featuring indie-pop duo Between Friends would no longer take place at Barton Hall on 17 October.
In a statement, the student-run organisation said: “The Cornell Concert Commission is a student-run organization and, as students, we stand with Jane Doe and all survivors of sexual violence.” It also called on Cornell’s administration to do more to support survivors.
The cancellation follows growing backlash over the university’s handling of allegations linked to an alleged 2024 gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house.
The allegations have included text messages involving Jane Doe and two accused students. In one exchange, Jonathan Newell apologised to her days after the alleged incident, writing: “You’re an amazing person and I genuinely hope ur not catching as much heat from this as we r. We’ve been shutting down any stories we’ve heard but again I’m so so sorry.”
In another message exchange, former fraternity member Matthew Ingalls responded after Jane Doe mentioned having a urinary tract infection and referred to rumours by writing: “Stupid bitches like to yap, and the fact they’re doing it shows that they’re jealous of you for any number of reasons.”
The commission apologised to students who had planned to attend the concert and said Between Friends hoped to connect with local fans at a later date.
It said it planned to organise a charity concert featuring local performers, including student bands and DJs, with all proceeds going to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.
The investigation into Jane Doe’s case has recently been reopened by the Tompkins District Attorney.
