This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
Florence Pugh called for men to speak up after allegations involving a Cornell University fraternity surfaced in a lawsuit. Pugh said the claims left her “uneasy and sick and anxious” as she urged men to speak up.
Seven Chi Phi members faced allegations of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old student after allegedly drugging her. The suit also accused Cornell of failing to protect her.
Florence Pugh urges men to speak up after disturbing Cornell University sexual assault allegations
Pugh shared her thoughts on Instagram about the complaint. “This is really a moment where we need our men to be as horrified and as sickened as us,” she wrote. Pugh called the alleged victim “strong willed” and described the claims as a “killing of a soul.” She also criticized universities that “repeatedly fail women around the world.”
Institutions that protect accusers had left her “enraged.” She added, “This is a human issue, not a women’s issue. We are all involved. Men especially.”
According to the lawsuit, the student drank alcohol at a bar before going to the Cornell fraternity house. She alleged Matthew Ingalls and Johnathan Newell pressured her to snort ketamine before sexually assaulting her. The complaint said Newell invited members upstairs. He allegedly wrote “free p***y” in a Snapchat group called “Chi Phi Actives.” It also alleged Newell poured ketamine onto his erect penis and ordered the woman to snort it.
Several men allegedly poured ketamine across her body and snorted it. She said the October 2024 incident caused “severe emotional and psychological distress.” She sued the fraternity members and Cornell, alleging the university failed to take reasonable steps to protect her.
The complaint named Ingalls, Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Kretzschmar. The criminal investigation was initially not prosecuted but was reopened by the Tompkins County District Attorney in September 2026. Jeremy Saland, Kretzschmar’s attorney, denied the allegations to TMZ. He said documents, witness statements and scientific evidence supported Kretzschmar’s position. Saland said no charges had been filed against his client.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
