Sunny Hostin reveals her good friend Cynthia Erivo called and checked her for her viral comments about the Cornell 7. The host says the actor told her she should’ve led with empathy and not law, which is her background.
Jane Doe Files Civil Lawsuit Against ‘Cornell 7,’ Cornell University, And Chi Phi Fraternity
As we previously shared, on the September 29 episode of ABC’s ’The View,’ Hostin and her co-hosts discussed the viral case with Jane Doe alleging sexual assault against the Cornell 7. The case refers to seven male students from the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell University.
They were named as defendants in a civil lawsuit filed by a female student, identified as Jane Doe. She alleged sexual assault, rape, and drugging at an off-campus party on October 19, 2024. The case has gained national attention and public outcry. Subsequently, Cornell University has barred the Chi Phi fraternity chapter from campus.
Cornell has also expelled Matthew Ingalls and Jonathan Newell; has suspended Winston Lee (2 years) and Gillio Lopes (3 semesters); has banned Diego Sarabia (who already graduated) from campus for 3 years; and has issued no-contact orders for Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar — who were both found not responsible and told to complete educational modules and reflection papers.
Sunny Hostin Addresses Backlash After Initial ‘Cornell 7’ Commentary
Local police have not yet made any arrests and the District Attorney declined charges at first. However, the investigation has since been reopened. And with the help of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, an independent review has been ordered. She also appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor. Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo also placed a temporary ban on Greek life events.
As the case was gaining national attention, Hostin shared her thoughts on the case a former sex crimes prosecutor in Washington, D.C. On her show, Hostin explained to her co-hosts why the Tompkins County District Attorney did not bring a case in 2024. She emphasized New York’s strict voluntary intoxication laws and the victim’s 2024 statement, admitting to drinking with the men.
After viewers began to criticize Hostin for seemingly victim-shaming Jane Doe, she shifted her tone two days later. On October 1, Hostin called the case “morally repugnant” and “grotesque.” On Monday (October 5), Hostin appeared on ABC’s ‘BehindThe Table,’ and again commented on the case. Hostin admitted she absolutely believes the “terrible” aforementioned New York intoxication law “needs to be changed.”
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