New York's attorney general hands Cornell rape investigation to a former Diddy prosecutor after accused men claim she is biased

Jacqueline Kelly, a Cornell alumna and partner at Boies Schiller Flexner — a firm whose past clients include women who brought abuse accusations against Jeffrey Epstein — has been tasked with collecting evidence, questioning witnesses and deciding whether the seven Chi Phi fraternity members should face criminal charges. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the appointment one day after securing re-election to a third term, having earlier drawn attention with a social media post describing the Jane Doe accuser's experience as "horrific and unacceptable."

Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten had opted against criminal charges, prompting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to order a fresh investigation on 1 October.

Kelly also oversaw the prosecution of fashion executive Peter Nygård alongside the Diddy case, and previously held the inaugural leadership role of the civil rights unit within the Southern District of New York's criminal division.

No ruling has been issued on the accused men's bid to have James removed entirely from the probe over her pre-appointment post backing the accuser.