Rolling Stone writer defends relying on source
to demonstrate resolve in dealing with what she said had happened. Scott Sexton, an attorney for Rolling Stone, asked Erdely if it ever occurred to her that someone would get a tattoo to commemorate something that never occurred. “Never,” Erdely said. In the interview, Jackie sounds bubbly and outgoing and eager to tell her story. She hesitated only when Erdely said she wanted to publish the name of the fraternity where Jackie claimed her assault occurred— Phi Kappa Psi — because Jackie said she was concerned for her safety. Jackie and Erdely appear to have quickly developed a close bond, with Erdely sharing in Jackie’s excitement over her new boyfriend and trying to con- vince Jackie to seek treatment over her possible post-traumatic stress disorder.
Erdely, of Philadelphia, noted how Jackie spoke with great detail, like when she recounted the nightmares she had in the wake of the attack and described one of the other women she claimed had been assaulted at the fraternity as having a raspy voice, small nose and serious demeanor.
“It seemed impossible to imagine that she was not describing a real person,” Erdely said.
University administrator Nicole Eramo is seeking $7.8 million from the magazine, claiming the article made her its “chief villain.” Because the judge ruled Eramo should be considered a public figure, her attorneys have to prove that Rolling Stone that they knew what they were writing about Eramo was false or at least should have known it wasn’t true.
Eramo’s attorneys have argued Erdely had doubts about Jackie’s credibility but pushed forward anyway and consciously chose not to contact certain sources she believed would blow up the story, including the man who Jackie said orchestrated her attack. They’ve also said it was irresponsible for Erdely to rely heavily on a source that possibly had PTSD and was taking antidepressants.