Columbia University and New York Hospital Settle Sexual Assault Cases for $750 Million

Washington: Columbia University and New York Hospital have agreed to a substantial settlement of $750 million with numerous women who were sexually assaulted by a former gynecologist, as reported by the lawyer representing the victims.

Robert Hadden, labeled as a “white coat predator” by prosecutors, is currently serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted of sexual abuse last year.

Hadden faced accusations of assaulting numerous women from the early 1990s until 2012. Notably, Evelyn Yang’s husband, Andrew Yang, ran for president in 2020 as a Democratic outsider.

Attorney Anthony Dipietro, who represented some of Hadden’s victims, noted that the settlement involves 576 former patients of the doctor.

“This settlement sends a strong message that agencies that conceal exploitation and abuse will be held accountable for their actions,” DiPietro stated.

Evelyn Yang, who reported that Hadden assaulted her in 2012 during her pregnancy, along with another survivor, Marissa Hoechstetter, expressed gratitude for the settlement in a joint statement.

They described the settlement as a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for justice for survivors of Hadden’s abuse, while also emphasizing that these numbers only represent a fraction of the crimes committed.

Additionally, they mentioned that Columbia has “important work” ahead to tackle the systemic problems that allowed such abuses to occur, calling Hadden “the most prolific sexual predator in U.S. history.”

In response, Columbia stated that it has put into place updated patient safety policies and programs aimed at addressing the issues stemming from Hadden’s actions.

Previously, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) announced separate settlements, including a $165 million agreement with 147 of Hadden’s patients and a $71.5 million settlement involving another 79 victims in 2021.