Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inRachel DobkinTuesday 29 September 2026 07:33 BSTJake Tapper attends the Jake Tapper And Alex Thompson In Conversation With David Remnick: Original Sin - President Biden's 2024 Campaign (Getty)Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten faced heavy criticism from CNN host Jake Tapper over his handling of a 2024 gang rape allegation involving a former Cornell University student.The survivor filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and assaulted by seven Chi Phi fraternity members, leading to public outrage after criminal charges were not pursued for two years.Van Houten defended his decision by claiming New York State law strictly defines consent and that his office relies on police to conduct initial criminal investigations.Following widespread public backlash, the DA's office reopened the case and plans to present the allegations to a criminal grand jury.Cornell University said a separate Title IX investigation previously resulted in student expulsions and suspensions, as well as a permanent ban on the fraternity chapter.In fullCNN’s Jake Tapper grills DA over handling of Cornell gang rape allegationsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in