Polymarket Removes Bets on Cornell Rape Case
Source reports published 21 Oct 2026, 7:09 am – 11:37 pm AEST
Polymarket has removed a prediction market allowing users to wager on felony charges against seven Cornell University students accused of raping a student in 2024. The company cited regulatory concerns and public outcry regarding the market’s existence.
What happened
- Polymarket removed a contract from its platform that enabled users to bet on whether any of the seven men accused of raping a Cornell student in 2024 would be charged with a felony sex crime.
- The market, available since September 30th and slated to close on January 31st, had generated over $450,000 in volume.
- Polymarket’s U.S. exchange is regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which prohibits trading related to unlawful activities.
- A Polymarket spokesperson stated the company’s goal is to provide objective, data-driven insight, but removed the market after hearing concerns from users.
- A lawsuit was filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe alleging sexual assault and exploitation by the fraternity members.
- The accused men denied the allegations.
- Criticism of the contract focused on celebrity endorsements, including Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James, who has an endorsement deal with Polymarket.
- An online petition called for other celebrity endorsers to sever ties with the company.
- The market’s existence raised concerns about potential insider trading, referencing a previous incident involving bets on a Venezuelan president’s capture and a U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
Original reporting
- PBS NewsHour: Polymarket stops users from wagering on possible felony charges for Cornell students accused of rape
2026-10-20T21:09:07+00:00 - CBS News: Polymarket removes bets on outcome of Cornell sexual assault case
2026-10-21T13:37:32+00:00