How I Met Your Mother star Cristin Milioti calls out US university’s handling of Gaza protests
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How I Met Your Mother star Cristin Milioti has drawn attention to what critics describe as a double standard at Cornell University by sharing a pointed political cartoon on her Instagram story.
The illustration, by cartoonist Jesse Duquette, contrasts a crossed-out protester holding a “Free Palestine” sign labeled “Expelled” with a heart containing the words “Chi Phi Frat Bro Rapists” labeled “Excused.”
It highlights perceived unequal treatment of pro-Palestine activism versus allegations of sexual violence involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity.
The cartoon references a high-profile civil lawsuit filed in mid-September 2026 by a former non-identified Cornell student.
She alleges that on October 19, 2024, she was pressured to consume alcohol, marijuana, and ketamine at the Chi Phi house and then sexually assaulted over several hours by seven fraternity members.
The suit names the seven men, Cornell University, and the fraternity, claiming the university failed to adequately protect her or hold the perpetrators fully accountable.
Cornell’s internal process resulted in the Chi Phi chapter being barred from campus, where it remains closed.
Reports indicate two of the accused were expelled while others faced temporary suspensions, essays, or workshops.
No criminal charges were filed at the time.
On Monday, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced he was reopening the investigation and would present the case to a grand jury, citing community pressure and differences between the original police report and the lawsuit’s detailed claims.
Cornell stated it supports the decision to let a grand jury hear the victim’s account.
In parallel, Cornell has taken firm action against pro-Palestine protesters.
Students involved in disruptions, including a September 2024 career fair protest targeting defense contractors linked to ‘Israel’, faced suspensions, multi-year campus bans, and in some cases threats to immigration status.
Graduate student Momodou Taal and others drew national attention for their activism and resulting disciplinary measures.
Students for Justice in Palestine was temporarily suspended as a registered organization after event disruptions.
Critics, including in campus commentary, have argued the university applied stricter standards to political speech and protest than to the sexual assault allegations, where some accused students reportedly received lighter internal sanctions such as reflective essays.
Public figures including actors Josh Gad and Florence Pugh, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have also criticized the university’s handling of the Chi Phi case.
Milioti, known for roles in How I Met Your Mother and The Penguin, has previously used her platform to support Palestine-related causes, including sharing calls for protests against policies affecting Gaza.
As of late September 2026, the criminal investigation remains open pending grand jury review, while the civil lawsuit proceeds.
