A story in last month’s Rolling Stone magazine described the gang rape of a student at a University of Virginia fraternity house. The university responded by suspending all fraternities and a criminal investigation was launched. But in recent weeks, key elements of the alleged victim’s story have been questioned and could not be verified by other news organizations. Advocates say the firestorm around the story has led to blaming the victim and sets back efforts to address campus sex assault. Diane and guests discuss a controversial Rolling Stone article and what it means for journalism standards, the rights of victims and those accused.

Guests

  • David Folkenflik Media correspondent, NPR; author of "Murdoch's World: The Last of the Old Media Empires" (2013)
  • Diane Rosenfeld Lecturer on law and director, Gender Violence Program, Harvard Law School; former Senior Counsel to the Violence Against Women Office, U.S. Department of Justice
  • Emily Yoffe Contributing writer for Slate.com

From The Blog: Rolling Stone Writer's Appearance on WAMU 88.5

Sabrina Rubin Erdely defended her reporting practices on WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi Show before other media began questioning her methods and the victim’s story.

Rolling Stone Writer On UVA Rape Story: "I put her story through the wringer best as I could" - The Diane Rehm Show

The controversy over Rolling Stone's story on rape at the University of Virginia's campus is raising new questions about how the controversy might affect victims and those accused. It's also raising a renewed debate about journalism ethics and standards, and how allegations are treated in the media.

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