News ‘Damage control’: Phone calls, records suggest some Cornell frat brothers tried to contain ‘gang rape’ allegations 2:46 ABC News obtains recording of phone call between Jane Doe and fraternity brother Walter Bibikow/Getty Images By Aaron Katersky , Josh Margolin , Tonya Simpson , and Peter Charalambous October 05, 2026, 10:01 AM Some of the fraternity brothers later accused of sexual assault at Cornell University attempted to contain the allegations in the weeks following the incident, appa
So, let’s talk about the latest scandal coming out of Cornell University, because who doesn’t love a good story of misguided priorities? It seems that some members of the Chi Phi fraternity found themselves in a bit of a pickle after an alleged incident in October 2022. Instead of doing the right thing and addressing the serious allegations head-on, they decided it would be a great idea to engage in some classic frat-boy ‘damage control.’ Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well.
According to records that have come to light, including text messages and phone calls, these young men were more concerned about their reputations than the well-being of the woman involved. I mean, who wouldn’t prioritize their social standing over a serious allegation of sexual assault, right? (Sarcasm alert!) This so-called ‘damage control’ involved trying to ensure that the woman wasn’t too upset. Because, you know, if she’s not upset, then everything is just fine and dandy, and they can keep partying like it’s 1999.
The irony here is almost comical, if it weren’t so tragically serious. The fraternity brothers seemed to think that by managing the optics of the situation, they could somehow sweep the allegations under the rug. But here’s the thing: you can’t just put a Band-Aid on a gaping wound and call it fixed. It’s like trying to fix a sinking ship with duct tape—eventually, it’s going to sink.
Now, these individuals are facing serious accusations of sexual assault, and one has to wonder if they thought this was all just a big joke. Fraternities have a long history of questionable behavior, and this incident is just another reminder that some people still don’t get it. Instead of taking accountability, they thought it would be more effective to play public relations guru. Newsflash: this isn’t how you handle a crisis.
What’s even more puzzling is how they thought they could get away with this. Did they really believe that their text messages and phone calls wouldn’t come back to haunt them? In the age of technology, everything is documented. If you say something stupid, it’s probably going to end up on social media or in the hands of a journalist faster than you can say ‘fraternity hazing.’
So, what’s the takeaway from this saga? First, if you find yourself in a serious situation, maybe don’t try to cover it up with ‘damage control’ tactics that are more suited for a corporate scandal than a personal crisis. Second, the well-being of individuals should always come first, no matter how much you want to protect your social status. And finally, let’s hope that this serves as a wake-up call for fraternities everywhere to take a good hard look at their values and practices.
In conclusion, while the Chi Phi fraternity members may have thought they were steering the ship through choppy waters, it turns out they were just sinking it faster. Good luck with that ‘damage control’ now, boys. You’re going to need it.
Inspired by: “Phone calls, records suggest some Cornell frat brothers tried to contain ‘gang rape’ allegations” (r/Entertainment)