Controversy Surrounds Rep. Nancy Mace’s Comments on Cornell Assault Case
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) ignited a significant backlash late Thursday by suggesting that the incident involving the so-called “Cornell 7” was not a case of rape, but rather consensual. In a post on X, she stated, “IDK who needs to hear this, but a consensual gangbang is not a rape,” which has since garnered over 2.6 million views.
The alleged victim, an anonymous female Cornell student known as “Jane Doe,” has filed a lawsuit against seven fraternity members, claiming they raped her, which has led to local authorities revisiting the case for a grand jury review.
Mace’s comment followed the emergence of various text messages this week, wherein the accuser shared friendly exchanges with some of the men after the October 2024 incident, even suggesting they should not “feel any shame.” One of her messages included the phrase, “Our body our choice.”
However, Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, explained to the New York Post that these texts should be understood as part of her initial difficulty in processing the events of that night, as she moved through phases of denial, shame, and eventually acceptance.
Her perceptions reportedly shifted upon reviewing group chats among the fraternity brothers that referenced “free p—y,” including one individual who boasted about her being involved in what they termed an “eightsome,” according to the Post.
Mace’s remarks also drew attention because of her earlier assertions made in Congress this past February. She claimed that video and photographic evidence suggested her former fiancé, Patrick Bryant, was involved in the apparent sexual assault of an incapacitated woman. She described seeing individuals filming while the woman was allegedly being assaulted.
Bryant has denied these allegations and has accused Mace of “blackmail,” a lawsuit he filed that was dismissed by a Charleston judge.
An investigation into allegations against Bryant remains open nearly two years later, highlighting the ongoing complexity of the situation.
The backlash against Mace’s recent statements was intense, with many pointing out a perceived hypocrisy given her advocacy for women’s rights. One commenter noted, “Welp, so much for your ‘crusade’ for women’s rights!” Yet, some defended her stance, suggesting that false rape accusations should carry severe penalties.
This current case mirrors past infamous allegations, like the 2006 Duke University lacrosse incident where players faced false accusations, leading to significant fallout for those involved.
Interest in this particular lawsuit has surged, even years after the events unfolded, with local officials explaining why charges were not pursued in 2024. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten indicated that the accuser’s current narrative differs from the one his office looked at previously.
He mentioned that she never claimed to be drugged unknowingly and acknowledged consuming drugs and alcohol voluntarily, along with indicating she did not allege being forced into any actions or being physically incapacitated during her time at the fraternity house.
The future for Mace, however, remains uncertain. She finished fifth in her state’s recent Republican gubernatorial primary and has mentioned transitioning to the private sector after her time in office, while still pledging to stay engaged in political commentary.
