Key facts
- A lawyer for one of seven men accused in a Cornell University gang rape has asked special prosecutor Letitia James to recuse herself.
- The lawyer cited a September 28 social media post by James as a reason for recusal.
- The post stated the alleged victim's experience was 'horrific and unacceptable' and that 'we stand with you'.
- Cornell University's Faculty Senate will vote on a no-confidence resolution against the administration next week.
- Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor to investigate the case and the university's response.
A lawyer representing one of seven men accused in a gang rape at Cornell University has requested that the special prosecutor, New York Attorney General Letitia James, recuse herself from the case. The lawyer argued that a social media post made by James on September 28 calls into question the integrity and independence of her investigation.
In the post, James wrote that "what this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable" and expressed solidarity with survivors, stating, "To her, and to all survivors: you're not alone. We stand with you."
The lawyer stated that these remarks conflict with the need for an independent evaluation of the evidence, though he clarified he is not suggesting James is corrupt or acting in bad faith. He believes her voluntary recusal would remove an "avoidable question" hanging over the investigation.