Lawyer demands removal of special prosecutor in Cornell gang rape case

A lawyer for one of the seven men accused in a Cornell University gang rape has called for special prosecutor Letitia James to step aside, the BBC, the New York Post, and ProtoThema English reported. New York Attorney General Letitia James is currently investigating the rape allegations. The defense attorney argued that past comments made by James compromise the integrity and independence of the investigation. [1][3][7]

The request stems from a social media post published by James on September 28, according to the BBC. In the post, James wrote that what the young woman was forced to endure was horrific and unacceptable, adding that her office stands with survivors. The attorney argued that these statements disqualify her from serving as the special prosecutor in the matter. [1]

The criminal investigation follows a civil lawsuit filed on September 16, 2026, by an anonymous former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe. The lawsuit names Cornell University, its Chi Phi fraternity chapter, and seven student members of the fraternity, alleging that the woman was drugged and gang raped at the fraternity house in 2024. [9]

In the United States, a special prosecutor or special counsel is appointed to investigate and potentially prosecute cases where a conflict of interest exists for the primary prosecuting authority. Cornell University administration is also facing criticism over its handling of the initial allegations. [1][8]