New York Attorney General Letitia James has vowed to conduct a fair investigation into the alleged gang rape of an unnamed woman at a Cornell University fraternity party, following the appointment of James as special prosecutor in the case. The investigation was launched after a lawsuit was filed in 2024 against Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven defendants accused of sexually assaulting the woman at a fraternity house.
James’ removal sought by defense attorneys over concerns about her impartiality. Attorneys for two defendants, including Gillio Lopes and Winston Lee, have filed motions seeking James’ recusal. Their requests cite a social media post by James, made days before her appointment, in which she expressed support for the alleged victim. The post stated, “What the Cornell University accuser has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable.”
James has repeatedly stated that the investigation will be guided by facts and evidence, not politics. In a statement, she emphasized that her office would conduct a thorough and unbiased review of the case. The lawsuit alleges that the woman was coerced into taking drugs and then sexually assaulted by multiple men during the incident. No criminal charges have been filed as of the latest reporting.
Defense attorneys argue bias claim based on James’ pre-appointment remarks. In court filings, attorneys for the defendants point to James’ social media post as evidence of prejudgment. The post, made on September 28, 2024, expressed solidarity with the alleged victim, stating, “To her, and to all survivors: you’re not alone. We stand with you.” The defense argues that such statements undermine James’ ability to conduct an impartial investigation.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor on October 1, 2024, three days after her social media post. The appointment followed the filing of the lawsuit and amid growing scrutiny of Cornell’s handling of campus sexual assault cases. The Tompkins County District Attorney, who declined to pursue criminal charges in 2024, noted that the accuser’s sworn statement did not explicitly allege gang rape or forced drugging.
Political figures weigh in on James’ appointment. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized James, calling her “a corrupt person” and questioning her ability to lead an impartial investigation. Trump’s remarks came in response to questions about Hochul’s decision to appoint James, a longtime political adversary. James has not directly responded to Trump’s allegations but reiterated her commitment to a fair process.
The case has drawn national attention to Cornell’s policies on sexual misconduct and the broader issue of campus safety. The lawsuit names Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven individual defendants, all of whom deny the allegations. The investigation remains ongoing, with no timeline provided for its completion.