Lawyer in Cornell rape case seeks special prosecutor's recusal

A lawyer for one of the seven men accused in the Cornell University gang rape case has called for New York Attorney General Letitia James to recuse herself as special prosecutor. In a statement to CBS News, the BBC's US media partner, the lawyer said James's past public comments raise questions about the investigation's integrity and independence. The lawyer argued the remarks conflict with the need to evaluate the evidence independently. While no court has found James legally disqualified, the lawyer said voluntary recusal would remove an avoidable question hanging over the case.

James was appointed special prosecutor by New York Governor Kathy Hochul last week to investigate the allegations and how law enforcement and the university initially responded. Days before the appointment, James posted on X that what the young woman endured was horrific and unacceptable, and told survivors they were not alone. The lawyer for one of the accused called those remarks disqualifying.

At a news conference, Hochul and James faced questions about impartiality concerns. Hochul said James would follow the facts, examine the evidence and pursue charges if the evidence supports them.

The case stems from a lawsuit filed against seven men and Cornell University by a woman identified as Jane Doe. She alleges she was drugged and raped by the men for several hours at a fraternity party, and accuses the university of failing to protect her. The allegations have rocked the campus in New York state and sparked anger across the country, with hundreds of students and faculty gathering Monday in protest.

Cornell's administration is also under scrutiny over its alleged mishandling of the October 2024 incident. According to US media reports, the university's Faculty Senate—a governing body of professors and other academic staff—will vote next week on a resolution of no confidence. A majority vote would be largely symbolic but would signal faculty discontent and increase pressure on university leadership. The BBC has reached out to Cornell for comment.