Defence Lawyer in Cornell Gang Rape Case Demands Special Prosecutor's Recusal

A defence lawyer representing one of seven men accused of participating in a gang rape at Cornell University has called on special prosecutor Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, to voluntarily recuse herself from the case. The request stems from a social media post James made on 28 September, in which she described what the alleged victim endured as "horrific and unacceptable" and said she stood with survivors.

In a statement sent to CBS News, the lawyer said the remarks raise an avoidable question about whether the investigation can independently evaluate the evidence. He clarified he was not accusing James of corruption or bad faith, nor claiming a court had ruled her legally disqualified — only that voluntary recusal would remove the doubt now hanging over the probe.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor last week to investigate both the alleged incident and how law enforcement and the university initially responded. Questioned about impartiality at a news conference, Hochul defended James, saying she would "follow the facts" and pursue charges if the evidence supported them.

The case centres on a lawsuit filed against the seven men and the university by a woman identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was drugged and raped for several hours at a fraternity party in October 2024, and that the university failed to protect her. The allegations have sparked outrage nationwide and prompted hundreds of students and faculty to gather in protest on campus on Monday.

According to US media reports, Cornell's Faculty Senate — a body made up of professors and other academic staff — is set to vote next week on a resolution of no confidence in the university's administration. While largely symbolic, a majority vote would signal faculty discontent and add pressure on leadership to respond. The BBC has contacted Cornell University for comment.