I found out about the accusation probably six months ago now. His side of the story was that he and a tinder date had a one night stand which she actively communicated about and was enthusiastic about at the time. Months later she reported him to our university during his last academic quarter, preventing him from graduating on time while the university reviewed his case. If he was found guilty, he could be expelled and his academic standing could be destroyed, putting three and a half years of work and money down the drain. Needless to say it was a stressful situation for him.

After a few long and stressful months the case was dismissed and he was free to finish his degree. Our whole friend group celebrated. I never doubted him during the whole process.

I just learned the woman involved has decided to appeal the decision. I know nothing about her other than that she made the accusation against my friend, but I haven't met many people who'd accuse someone falsely and then appeal the process just to drag someone through the mud. My guess is that she sincerely believes she was assaulted, but my friend maintains he didn't do anything which would justify that belief. I think the question now is whether her judgement or his is out of line, and there's really no way for me to know. It's just her word against his.

I don't know what to do. I'm going to continue supporting my friend for as long as he needs it, but I can't get it out of the back of my head that he might have made a huge mistake and crossed a line without meaning to.