Addressing criticism, NYS AG Letitia James says Cornell rape case investigation will be 'fair'

State Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday pushed back on critics who say her office won't conduct a fair investigation into the rape allegations against members of a Cornell University fraternity. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul tapped James earlier this month to review a 2024 case filed by a now-former female student against seven men, and the university and local authorities' handling of it.

When asked how she would ensure a fair investigation, James told Newsday, "Politics stops at the door of the office to the state attorney general," and that there will be more to say on the progress of the case in the next few weeks.

She added, "We will engage in a fair and comprehensive and open investigation into this matter."

James also defended her initial response when the Cornell case first made headlines. 

"My statements, my posts on social media represent empathy, and what we need now more than ever in the body politic is empathy — more understanding and compassion," James said in response to questions during a visit to Newsday.

James also told Newsday she urged the State Legislature to close a legal loophole that makes it harder to charge and convict subjects accused of rape if the victim voluntarily consumed alcohol or drugs.

James on Sept. 28 posted on the social media platform X: "What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I'm holding her in my heart and prayers. To her, and to all survivors: you’re not alone. We stand with you."

Her comments came as she faces a state bar ethics complaint alleging statements she made before her appointment as special prosecutor prejudiced the investigation. Two of the seven men accused argue in separate court filings that James' post proves she would not lead a "fair investigation."

The issue of James' impartiality also briefly came up in Tuesday night's gubernatorial debate between Hochul and Republican challenger Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. President Donald Trump before the debate called for James — who also prosecuted Trump and his company — to be removed from leading the investigation.

James, a Democrat, is seeking reelection and leads her Republican challenger, Saritha Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor, in a Siena University poll. 

Komatireddy has also called James biased in the Cornell case. In a debate with James, Komatireddy said the investigation "requires someone who approaches the case with fairness, impartiality and integrity."

By Candice Ferrette

candice.ferrette@newsday.comcandiceferrette

Candice Ferrette covers Nassau County government and politics on Long Island. She has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011.