Mariska Hargitay joins Josh Gad in speaking out over Cornell 7 allegations

Mariska Hargitay, Josh Gad & other celebrities speak out over the Cornell 7 sexual assault case and allegations now

Mariska Hargitay, Josh Gad, Hudson Williams and other celebrities have spoken out over allegations involving the so-called Cornell 7, seven male students accused of sexually assaulting a female Cornell University student in 2024.

The case has gained renewed attention after the woman, who has remained publicly unidentified, filed a lawsuit against the seven men and several organisations, including Cornell University, a fraternity and her former sorority.

According to reports about the lawsuit, Cornell University previously conducted an investigation into the allegations. The woman’s attorney has said that two of the accused students were expelled, while other students received disciplinary measures including temporary suspensions and educational assignments. No arrests were made in connection with the allegations.

Hargitay addressed the case through Instagram in a post shared with the Joyful Heart Foundation, the organisation she founded to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.

“We refuse for this victim to be reduced to just another story,” the foundation said in the statement shared by Hargitay. It also called for greater accountability and support for survivors.

Hargitay, who has portrayed detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU for decades, also shared messages calling for action against those accused.

Gad criticised Cornell’s reported disciplinary response, while Williams shared a message calling for the accused men to be arrested.

Other celebrities, including Jameela Jamil and Florence Pugh, have also commented publicly on the case. Pugh previously described the allegations as deeply disturbing.

The lawsuit and allegations remain ongoing, and the accusations against the seven men have not been established as facts in court. Cornell University’s handling of the case has also become a focus of public discussion.