Florence Pugh condemns Cornell gang-rape case and “slap-on-the-wrist” punishment: “How is an apology essay enough?”

Actress Florence Pugh has expressed outrage over a gang-rape case recently reported at Cornell University, a prestigious U.S. Ivy League school, and the university’s tepid response, which attempted to contain the fallout with slap-on-the-wrist punishment. She also sent a message of solidarity to the victim.

■ “An act that kills a person’s soul” … Florence Pugh vents her outrage

Pugh recently posted a lengthy statement on her official Instagram account, sharing her candid and forceful reaction to the controversy surrounding a Cornell fraternity.

“After reading an article about a young woman who was gang-raped by friends and classmates at college, I feel anxious, sick to my stomach and unable to calm down,” Pugh wrote. “This is an act that kills a person’s soul and destroys their body.”

She expressed particular outrage at the irresponsible attitude of university officials and others involved, who sought to resolve the case by imposing only a minor punishment requiring the accused students to write apology essays. “How is writing one apology essay and moving on supposed to make sense? I absolutely cannot accept this,” Pugh said. “Institutions that protect sex offenders and impose slap-on-the-wrist punishments because they are worried about the male perpetrators’ futures or reputations should also face serious scrutiny and punishment.”

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Shared post by Florence Pugh (@florencepugh)

■ Urges men to break their silence: “Be angry with us and stand with us”

Pugh also strongly urged men who have stood by and watched the controversy unfold to speak out.

“When so many men are silent in this moment, how can we believe the words ‘Not all men’?” she asked. “There is no true equality until we can feel that our bodies and souls are respected and safe. Please be angry with us and stand with us.”

Finally, addressing the female student who courageously came forward, the anonymous victim known as Jane Doe, Pugh offered a heartfelt message of solidarity: “You are an incredibly strong and powerful person for standing up with such courage. Women around the world will stand with you and support you through your healing journey.”

■ Korean American student named among accused as prosecutors launch reinvestigation

The case has drawn worldwide outrage since it came to light through a civil lawsuit. The accused students’ full names have since been publicly disclosed through social media and Cornell’s student newspaper. The list reportedly includes one Korean American student with the surname Lee, triggering even greater shock in South Korea and abroad.

As the fallout has spiraled, fueled by outspoken statements from celebrities including Florence Pugh and fierce criticism from politicians, local prosecutors have launched a surprise reinvestigation into the alleged gang rape.