Phil Seligmann statement on Crystal Mangum's claim of sexual assault

Phil Seligmann, father of former Duke lacrosse player Reade Seligmann, responds to a statement made by Crystal Mangum, who said Thursday she is "still claiming that a sexual assault happened," at a March 2006 party, even though the North Carolina attorney general found otherwise.

"It is now beyond dispute that Reade Seligmann is innocent and was the victim of demonstrably false accusations by Crystal Mangum. The attorney general of North Carolina dismissed Ms. Mangum's case, finding that Reade was innocent. The former lead detective for the Durham Police Department testified under oath that Crystal Mangum 'was not telling the truth about anything.' Electronic records, including cellular telephone calls and ATM photographs, proved Reade Seligmann was not even present when Ms. Mangum claimed the assault occurred. The forensic DNA findings revealed between five and nine different male profiles in and on Ms. Mangum – none of which matched any person on the Duke men's lacrosse team. Ms. Mangum showed no injuries consistent with the beating and sexual assault that she claimed had occurred.

"Ms. Mangum's 'manuscript' is simply a pathetic attempt to further her need to remain in the public eye at the expense of demonstrably innocent individuals. Her incoherent passages are not based on facts, but are quite simply false ramblings. She ignores all of the verifiable facts of the case. The individuals associated with her publication of this 'manuscript' are seeking to advance themselves by associating with a woman who has a dubious past.

"No crime of any kind took place involving Ms. Mangum or any member of the Duke men's lacrosse team.

"We are presently evaluating all available legal options. If Ms. Mangum and those associated with her continue to slander Reade, we will have no choice and will not hesitate to utilize those options."