Former Notre Dame Rector Filed Defamation Lawsuit
Elizabeth Greenop sued anonymous Instagram users over allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Elizabeth Greenop, the former rector of McGlinn Hall at the University of Notre Dame, filed a defamation lawsuit in St. Joseph County Superior Court on August 18, 2026. The complaint targets anonymous Instagram users who posted accusations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Why it matters
Greenop seeks compensatory and punitive damages, arguing the posts caused severe injury to her reputation and livelihood. She has publicly denied the claims, and the university confirmed it received no official complaints against her as of July 2026.
The lawsuit, filed on August 18, 2026, asks the court to compel Meta Platforms Inc. to reveal the identities behind the account. Greenop filed a sworn affidavit on September 9, 2026, formally denying all allegations of sexual assault and providing alcohol to minors.
The players
Elizabeth Greenop
She is the former rector of McGlinn Hall who served at the University of Notre Dame.
University of Notre Dame
This private Catholic research university is located in South Bend, Indiana.
Meta Platforms Inc.
This multinational technology company owns the Instagram platform used to host the accounts in question.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that anonymous commenters on the Instagram account shareyourstory.notredame showed reckless disregard for the truth during the posting period. The University of Notre Dame placed Greenop on leave on June 29, 2026, though she denies claims that she fled South Bend or is prohibited from campus grounds.
Timeline
June 17, 2026: Anonymous statements about Greenop were first published.
June 29, 2026: The University of Notre Dame placed Greenop on leave.
July 7, 2026: The window of alleged defamatory activity concluded.
August 18, 2026: Greenop filed the defamation lawsuit.
September 9, 2026: Greenop submitted a sworn affidavit denying the claims.
Legal Context
This case reflects a growing trend of plaintiffs using the court system to challenge anonymous digital allegations when professional reputations are at stake. It tests the boundaries of internet anonymity and the legal obligations of platforms like Meta to identify users accused of defamation.
The lawsuit highlights the potential for online accounts to significantly impact the lives of local professionals and university staff. Residents and university community members may see continued legal scrutiny regarding social media accountability in the area.
The takeaway
Legal experts emphasize that individuals facing online defamation often rely on court orders to challenge the protections of anonymous social media platforms. Proving reckless disregard for the truth remains a high burden in defamation litigation involving public figures or institutional employees.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings involving misconduct claims, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by National Catholic Register.
