Defense lawyers push to remove AG Letitia James from Cornell rape probe over 'stand with you' post

From the Newshound archive · first published 4 October 2026 · last updated 11 October 2026.

Seven Cornell students accused of rape in 2024, whom Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten now plans to bring before a grand jury after the original inquiry was criticised as inadequate.

Defense attorney Teny Geragos filed a motion in Tompkins County court arguing that New York Attorney General Letitia James prejudged the Cornell 'Cornell 7' case before being appointed special prosecutor. On September 28 — three days before her appointment — James posted publicly telling Jane Doe 'We stand with you' and calling what the accuser endured 'horrific and unacceptable.' Attorney Andrew Miltenberg said the post showed James accepted that Doe was a 'survivor' before examining a shred of evidence.

Cornell has separately appointed former Obama-era deputy AG Sally Yates to review the university's own handling of the allegations.

Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace, herself a self-described rape survivor, sparked fury by suggesting Jane Doe took part in a 'consensual gangbang.'

Jane Doe is now facing online threats and harassment, repeating a pattern seen with Christine Blasey Ford and E Jean Carroll.

The GuardianThe Jane Doe in the Cornell seven case is getting threats The IndependentRepublican sexual assault survivor blames Jane Doe in ‘Cornell 7’ case: ‘Not a rape’NY Post‘Cornell 7’ rape accuser detailed self-harm struggle weeks before frat house attack: report Fox NewsAttorney for former Cornell fraternity member wants AG James off case over post supporting accuser Fox NewsSally Yates' Cornell alleged gang rape review could scrutinize crucial police interview, attorney says

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