Lawyer for one of Cornell 7 calls for special prosecutor to be removed over previous comments

October 6, 2026

A defense attorney representing one of seven men accused in a Cornell University gang rape case is demanding that New York Attorney General Letitia James remove herself as special prosecutor due to perceived bias. The lawyer argues that James's social media post expressing support for "survivors" and calling the alleged victim's experience "horrific and unacceptable" undermines the investigation's impartiality. Meanwhile, Cornell University faces a faculty no-confidence vote next week over its alleged mishandling of the October 2024 incident, in which a woman claims she was drugged and raped at a fraternity party.

Who is affected

The woman identified as Jane Doe (alleged victim)
Seven men accused of gang rape
Letitia James (New York Attorney General/special prosecutor)
Cornell University administration and leadership
Cornell Faculty Senate members
Cornell students and faculty
Governor Kathy Hochul
Sally Yates (former deputy attorney general)

What action is being taken

Letitia James is serving as special prosecutor investigating the case and law enforcement/university response
Sally Yates is leading an independent review of Cornell's sexual assault practices and procedures
Cornell's Faculty Senate is preparing to vote on a no-confidence resolution next week
The defense lawyer is calling for James to recuse herself from the case

Why it matters

This case highlights critical issues surrounding university accountability in handling sexual assault allegations at prestigious institutions. The controversy over the special prosecutor's impartiality raises fundamental questions about balancing public support for alleged victims with the due process rights of the accused. A faculty no-confidence vote at an Ivy League institution would send a powerful message about institutional failures in protecting students and handling serious allegations appropriately.

What's next

Cornell's Faculty Senate will vote on a no-confidence resolution next week
Sally Yates and her team will conduct a detailed review of Cornell's response to the allegations

Read full article from source: BBC