Crystal Mangum Admits to False Rape Accusations Against Duke Lacrosse Players
On the "Let’s Talk with Kat" podcast this Wednesday, Crystal Mangum, the woman at the center of the infamous 2006 Duke University lacrosse scandal, admitted to fabricating the rape accusations against David Evans, Collin Finnerty, and Reade Seligmann.
Mangum, a former exotic dancer, openly confessed that her claims against the three players were entirely false. This is the first time she has publicly acknowledged her deceit.
False Claims and Legal Fallout
In 2006, Mangum accused Evans, Finnerty, and Seligmann of kidnapping and sexually assaulting her after a party at a house near Duke University. She claimed the men confined her to a bathroom and raped her for about 30 minutes. Her story quickly unraveled as evidence failed to support her allegations.
Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong, who initially pressed charges of first-degree rape, kidnapping, and sexual assault, was later disbarred after it was revealed that he had withheld exonerating DNA evidence.
Mangum admitted her false testimony during the podcast, saying, “I testified falsely that they raped me when they didn’t, and that was wrong.” She further explained her motives for making the accusations, confessing that she sought validation from others rather than from God. This revelation comes years after the players were declared innocent by former Attorney General Roy Cooper, who found that there was no credible evidence to support Mangum’s claims.
The Aftermath of the Scandal
The false accusations against Evans, Finnerty, and Seligmann resulted in a prolonged and highly publicized legal battle, leaving a lasting stain on the reputations of the young men. Following the collapse of the case, the players filed civil lawsuits to clear their names, and Nifong, whose mishandling of the case led to the wrongful charges, stepped down in disgrace. The Duke lacrosse scandal became a significant moment in the national discussion about race, privilege, and the criminal justice system.
Mangum’s admission to lying about the incident is a rare and significant moment in the saga, bringing some closure to a case that had consumed media attention for years. Still, the damage done to the lives of the players and the public perception of the case lingers.
Mangum’s Personal Struggles
Currently serving a prison sentence for the 2011 murder of her boyfriend, Reginald Daye, Mangum’s past continues to haunt her. In 2011, Mangum was convicted of second-degree murder after she fatally stabbed Daye during an argument. She is serving time at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh and is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.
At the conclusion of her podcast appearance, Mangum expressed her remorse and hope for forgiveness from the men she falsely accused. “I hope that the players can heal and trust God and know that God loves them and that God is loving them through me, letting them know that they're valuable,” Mangum said. This heartfelt message is part of Mangum’s attempt to seek redemption for her past actions, which have had profound and lasting consequences for those involved.
A Final Reflection on the Duke Lacrosse Case
The admission of false testimony by Mangum does not erase the pain and suffering experienced by the Duke lacrosse players, but it does offer a long-awaited moment of truth in a case that captivated the nation. Evans, Finnerty, and Seligmann’s wrongful prosecution serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of rushed justice and the consequences of false accusations.
Crystal Mangum Still Incarcerated for Murder, Set for 2026 Release
Crystal Mangum is currently still in prison. She is serving a sentence for the murder of her then-boyfriend, Reginald Daye, in 2011. Mangum was convicted of second-degree murder after she fatally stabbed Daye during an argument.
As of now, Crystal Mangum is incarcerated at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh, North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, she is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.
Mangum’s case became widely known due to her false accusations in the 2006 Duke University lacrosse scandal, where she initially claimed that three players—David Evans, Collin Finnerty, and Reade Seligmann—had raped her. The charges against the players were dropped after investigations revealed inconsistencies in her story, and they were later declared innocent.
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