Florence Pugh issues X-post over allegations of woman being sexually assaulted at Cornell frat house

Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault and violence against women which some readers may find distressing.

Florence Pugh has said she feels ‘sick’ and ‘uneasy’ following allegations that a group of fraternity brothers raped a woman at Cornell University.

The Dune star spoke out after a lawsuit was filed by a former Cornell student, who alleges that she in October 2024 she was drugged and raped at a frat house.

The 20-year-old woman is suing the university and the fraternity members, claiming they failed to protect her and prevent the alleged assault.

A lawyer for the woman, named as Jane Doe in the filing, claimed that following the alleged assault an investigation was launched, but only two of the seven Chi Pi members accused were expelled while others got lesser punishments including short suspensions or being made to complete essays or take part in workshops, but said no one was arrested.

In a post on social media, Pugh said she was left feeling ‘uneasy and sick and anxious’ after reading about the claims.

“I’m processing quietly and watching everything and everyone and every man,” she continued.

The Hollywood star went on to say that she knows ‘this has happened before’ and ‘hates’ the idea that it might happen again.

She called on men to be ‘as horrified and as sickened’ about the allegations as women were and urged them to be the ones ‘leading conversations’ about how to change things.

“How can you expect us to trust that it’s ‘not all men’ when in moments like this, many of you stay quiet?” she asked.

Pugh hit out at ‘every single person who knew or heard about this happening’, saying they were as ‘evil’ as those that carried out.

The post continued: “We are not hard enough on those that want to damage human lies. I salute all those at the college that are fighting for that girl, exposing those boys and making life unbearably impossible to find joy during their terms.

“They should not be allowed to walk freely like the rest of us who treasure and care for souls.”

She finished her post by praising the woman who filed the lawsuit, saying she is ‘unbelievably powerful’.

“Most importantly, to Jane Doe who bravely stood up to the despicable college that chose to do the wrong thing, you are so unbelievably powerful,” Pugh wrote.

“So strong willed. And know that women everywhere are here to hold you and help you on your healing journey.”

In a statement shared on 21 Septmber, Cornell said they ‘take sexual violence extremely seriously’ and that ‘the Xi chapter of Chi Phi fraternity remains barred from our campus’.

Kyle Kimball, vice president for university relations said: “Federal privacy law prohibits Cornell from disclosing specific information regarding individual students and we therefore are unable to make a public statement on any other disciplinary response.

“Violations of university policies could lead to sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion. We will respond in detail through the legal process.”