AOC's dramatic retelling of Cornell rape allegations collides with complaint details

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s account of a Cornell University sexual assault case, described as seven men gang-raping a woman for seven hours after drugging her, differs from the civil complaint. Cornell disputes her characterization of disciplinary actions, stating expulsions and suspensions were issued, not essays. The district attorney’s office initially found no basis for criminal charges based on the victim’s statement but has reopened the investigation.

• Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s description of a Cornell sexual assault case involved allegations of drugging and a seven-hour gang rape by seven men.
• Cornell University disputes Ocasio-Cortez’s account of the disciplinary actions, stating expulsions and suspensions were imposed.
• The civil complaint alleges the victim was drugged with ketamine and subjected to sexual acts without consent.
• The Tompkins County District Attorney’s office initially determined the victim’s statement did not support criminal charges but has reopened the investigation.
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the case.