An Oxford University student killed himself after becoming a victim of “pervasive cancel culture” over an unproven allegation made by his ex, a UK court has heard.
The body of 20-year-old Alexander Rogers was pulled from the River Thames on Jan. 15 — just days after his friends and classmates stopped speaking to him when his former partner aired the unknown allegation, This Is Oxfordshire reported.
The unspecified allegation was not reported to authorities or the school, but resulted in Rogers being “ostracized” as part of a “pile-on” effect, a court hearing into his death was told.
Dr. Dominique Thompson, an expert who probed Rogers’ death, called the student a victim of “pervasive cancel culture.”
“It was shocking to hear that students were treating each other in this way, but I was not surprised by this pattern of behavior,” she told the court, adding that Rogers had been described as “upstanding” by those who knew him.
The report didn’t elaborate further on how Rogers, who was studying Materials Science at Oxford’s Corpus Christi College, was treated in the days leading up to his death.
The college’s president, Professor Helen Moore, said the school was “deeply upset” and “regretful” that they weren’t made aware of the issue at the time given they had “mechanisms” in place to help handle them.
“We have to create spaces where our young people can come to us with the conviction that we will listen and empathize with the issues that they are facing,” she told the court.
In a statement, an Oxford University spokesperson described Rogers as a “talented student” who was “well known and liked in the college community and beyond.”
“Oxford University and Corpus Christi College extend our deepest sympathies to Alexander’s family and everyone in our community who has been saddened by his tragic death,” the statement said.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
