Columbia University is facing a staggering financial impact exceeding $1 billion following a recent settlement involving nearly 600 victims of former gynecologist Robert Hadden, a convicted sex offender. The university has reached an unprecedented $750 million agreement with 576 survivors.
This settlement was officially confirmed by the Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday.
“This isn’t just about money; it’s about holding people accountable,” stated Laurie Maldonand, one of the victims.
Maldonand, a patient of Hadden for almost a decade, expressed that “Columbia University has enabled horrific abuse.”
Hadden was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2023 after being found guilty of sexually assaulting numerous patients during his tenure at a prominent Manhattan hospital affiliated with Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian.
Attorney Anthony T. DiPietro, who has advocated for many of Hadden’s victims since 2012, criticized Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian for prioritizing their reputations over patient safety. He referenced a 1995 letter from the then head of obstetrics and gynecology, which acknowledged an “attack” by Hadden, suggesting that the institution had been aware of the issues all along.
DiPietro has already secured $277 million in settlements prior to this agreement, pushing the total amount Columbia has paid to over $1 billion as a result of Hadden’s misconduct.
Following the announcement of a $100 million victim fund by Columbia in 2023, DiPietro called it “deeply insufficient.”
“This settlement sends a strong message that institutions which cover up abuse must be held fully accountable for their role in these crimes,” he remarked on the recent agreement.
DiPietro is also representing 400 men against another physician, urologist Darius Padocci, who is facing similar allegations of misconduct.
“Hospitals cannot sweep fraud under the rug when it jeopardizes patient safety, particularly involving predatory doctors misusing their medical licenses,” DiPietro emphasized.
