Florence Pugh has spoken publicly about allegations surrounding an alleged sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity house, saying the reports left her feeling “sick,” “uneasy,” and anxious. The actress reacted after a former Cornell student, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit against the university and members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The woman alleges that she was drugged and raped at the fraternity house in October 2024 and claims the university and fraternity members failed to adequately protect her. According to her lawyer, an investigation followed, but only two of the seven fraternity members accused were expelled, while others reportedly received lesser disciplinary measures. No arrests were made in connection with the allegations described in the lawsuit. Pugh said she had been quietly processing the reports and called on men to confront sexual violence rather than remain silent. She questioned how women could be expected to trust assurances that “not all men” are responsible when people who witness or hear about alleged abuse choose not to speak up.

Pugh also directed a message of support toward the woman who brought the lawsuit, praising her courage and strength. She said women should stand beside her as she moves through the healing process. Cornell, meanwhile, said in a September 21 statement that it takes sexual violence “extremely seriously” and confirmed that the Xi chapter of Chi Phi remains barred from campus. A university spokesperson explained that federal privacy laws prevent Cornell from discussing individual student disciplinary matters publicly, but said violations of university policies can result in sanctions ranging from suspension to expulsion. The university added that it would address the matter through the legal process. The allegations remain allegations and have not been established as fact in court. Pugh’s comments have nevertheless drawn renewed attention to the case and to broader conversations about accountability, institutional responsibility, and how communities respond when allegations of sexual violence are reported.