Case Involves Sexual Assault Allegations at Cornell

New York Governor Kathy Hochul faces criticism for her participation in a Netflix documentary on a sexual assault case at Cornell University. Seven men are accused, but none have been criminally charged. In October, Hochul directed the New York Attorney General, Letitia James, as a special prosecutor for the case.

The documentary, titled “Instadocs: Jane Doe v. Cornell,” features Hochul around 13 minutes in, sharing her personal reaction. “My first reaction was how disgusting, not again. You feel like, not again,” Hochul stated.

Hochul reflected on her own college experience at Syracuse University in the late 1970s. She recalled an atmosphere of anxiety due to multiple rapes happening at the beginning of her college journey. She criticized what she viewed as an unchanged culture.

The allegations gained attention when Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against seven fraternity members, Cornell University, her sorority, among others. Doe claimed she was drugged and raped in a fraternity house in 2024.

The Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, explained that no crime was established based on Jane Doe’s statement.

Hochul addressed the handling of such allegations, expressing a desire for public confidence in the legal process. This sentiment was echoed in her Netflix interview.

Criminal defense attorney and Fox News contributor, Donna Rotunno, criticized Hochul’s documentary appearance, arguing that it might undermine the fairness of the prosecution. Rotunno questioned the timing of Hochul’s involvement in the case.

When asked why Hochul participated in the documentary, her spokesperson responded that governors often engage with media on significant public interest issues.