Cornell police investigate alleged fraternity cover-up after sexual assault claim

University police in Ithaca, New York, are investigating claims that members of the Chi Phi fraternity convened a meeting to discuss a reported drug-facilitated sexual assault at a fraternity party. A female student, who spoke to investigators early in the probe, said a fraternity brother told her the incident was a "consensual orgy" and urged discretion because it would damage the group's image. The student added that the fraternity held a meeting to align the men’s statements about the event.

Two fraternity members later told investigators that the sexual activity was consensual and that the gathering was a routine chapter meeting, not a special session to address the alleged assault. Neither of the brothers shown in the released video is accused of participating in the assault.

Police also received an anonymous tip alleging that fraternity leadership asked a potential witness to remain silent to protect the fraternity's reputation. Text messages obtained by investigators appear to show attempts by fraternity members to manage the situation after the incident became known on campus.

All seven fraternity members named in a civil lawsuit filed by the alleged victim deny any wrongdoing. One member has claimed he was intoxicated and portrayed himself as a victim of the alleged assault. The lawsuit also alleges that Cornell University failed to take appropriate action after the initial report.