Media Coverage of Cornell University Case Questioned by Hostin

Sonny Hostin, one of the hosts on The View, has diverged from the common narrative regarding the reported gang rape incident at Cornell University. She cautioned that the media is “inaccurately” and “unfairly” covering the story.

With her background as a former prosecutor, Hostin expressed doubts that any prudent prosecutor would pursue charges against the alleged assailants based solely on the initial evidence presented.

The controversy gained national attention when a Cornell student filed a civil lawsuit, claiming she was drugged, assaulted, and gang-raped by seven fraternity brothers in 2024.

However, the fraternity involved shared text messages that seem to indicate that the woman willingly engaged in sexual activities with the men. Hostin maintained that, given this information, the accused individuals are entitled to due process.

“The images of these young men, who haven’t even been charged yet, are all over the internet,” Hostin noted. “I think this story is being reported inaccurately and unfairly. While we need to take these allegations very seriously, based on her statement from 2024, there’s no way any prosecutor would move forward with a case.”

Continuing her point, Hostin highlighted aspects of New York law that offer some protections to the accused. She stated, “According to New York law, voluntary intoxication or drug use that only impairs judgment doesn’t legally mean someone is unable to consent to sexual activity. In her account, she agreed to participate in two separate threesomes.”

As reported, New York prosecutors have reopened the investigation into the rape claims.

Simultaneously, there’s been a rising voice against the seven students, now called the “Cornell 7,” especially from figures in Hollywood. Actors like Mariska Hargitay, Josh Gad, and Hudson Williams have publicly condemned the alleged perpetrators. Gad asserted that these students “brutally violated an innocent girl,” while Hargitay insisted on holding the attackers accountable. Williams even went as far as to say, “Arrest them. Forget them and forget Cornell, too!”

Williams has also shared images of the seven men on social media platforms.

Additionally, former South Park writer Toby Morton has established a website aimed at the Cornell 7, vowing that there will be “accountability” in the situation.