A shocking twist has emerged in the high-profile case involving Matthew Ingalls, one of seven former Cornell University fraternity brothers accused of gang raping a student identified as "Jane Doe" last year. In a bizarre turn of events, Ingalls claims he was the one who was sexually assaulted by Jane Doe during a university investigation.
According to records obtained by ABC News, Ingalls told the Title IX investigator that he was too intoxicated and couldn't consent to sex that night, and accused Jane Doe of sodomizing him while he was incapacitated. However, his claims have been met with skepticism by experts and investigators alike.
"The position claimed by Mr. Ingalls is patently absurd," said Jane Doe's attorney, Thomas Guiffra, in an emailed statement to Us Weekly. "It demonstrates the lengths that these men will sink to avoid accountability."
Guiffra's comments are echoed by experts who point out that Ingalls' claims raise serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation process. "This process is rolled [sic] with gender discrimination," Ingalls wrote in a February email to the investigator.
The alleged gang rape occurred on October 19, 2024, at the Chi Phi fraternity house, where Ingalls allegedly invited Jane Doe before allegedly raping her with other frat brothers. The incident sparked widespread outrage and resulted in the expulsion of Ingalls and another defendant from Cornell University.
While criminal charges have yet to be filed against Ingalls and the other accused fraternity members, their actions have raised important questions about the culture of entitlement and impunity that can exist among some college students.
"This case highlights the need for institutions like Cornell to take seriously the allegations of sexual assault and to provide support to survivors," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. "We must ensure that our investigations are thorough and fair, and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions."
As the case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the alleged gang rape and subsequent cover-up have had far-reaching consequences for all parties involved. With the appointment of state Attorney General Letitia James to launch a criminal investigation, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Ingalls and his accusers.
In related news, Cornell University president Michael Kotlikoff has spoken out about the incident, calling it "deeply disturbing." "My heart aches when I think of what she experienced," he said. "Raises heartbreaking and troubling issues about sexual assault, dehumanization and aspects of party culture, alcohol and drug use."
For those affected by this story or any other issue of sexual assault, help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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