Was 'Cornell 7' case reopened due to online outrage? | Top Comment Podcast

This BBC News Top Comment podcast discusses the alleged gang rape case at a Cornell University fraternity house, which has drawn widespread online outrage after new details emerged in a civil suit filed by the purported victim. The episode covers evidence including a Snapchat screenshot advertising a "free" sexual encounter, and reports that a criminal investigation has been reopened. It looks at how the case spread on social media, including criticism of campus culture and accountability measures, as well as doxxing, misidentification and censorship. The university's leadership has denied that its response was inadequate. The episode also covers a story from a lesbian bar in western Massachusetts. After the bar, Last Ditch, suspended its mask mandate on Saturday nights, it received online abuse calling it ableist and eugenicist. The discussion follows the online conversations that followed and considers whether AOC spoke too soon when she declared Woke 1.0 identity politics over.

• Alleged gang rape case at a Cornell fraternity house; the purported victim has filed a civil suit
• A criminal investigation has been reopened, and the university denies its response was inadequate
• Online reaction includes doxxing, misidentification and censorship
• Also covered: online backlash against a western Massachusetts bar that suspended its mask mandate

An alleged case of gang rape at a Cornell frat house has caused widespread outrage after new details emerged in a civil suit brought by the purported victim. Evidence including a Snapchat screenshot advertising a "free" sexual encounter has seen anger online directed not only towards those men accused of being involved, but others who apparently failed to step in. As a criminal investigation is reopened, Marianna and Matt explain how this case has taken over social media, from scathing critiques of campus culture and opaque accountability measures, to doxxing, misidentification and censorship. The university's leadership has denied its response was inadequate. Also this week, we discuss arguably the most viral story of the year - the fallout at a covid-conscious lesbian bar in western Massachusetts. After the struggling Last Ditch decided to suspend their mask mandate on Saturday nights, they were met with a torrent of abuse calling them ableist and even eugenicist. Top Comment takes you through the chaotic conversations which followed, and we consider whether AOC spoke too soon when she famously closed the book on Woke 1.0 identity politics. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews