Defence lawyer in Cornell University case calls for special prosecutor to be removed

New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as a special authority last week to review the lawsuit and assess how law enforcement and the university initially handled the allegations brought by Jane Doe, a woman identified in the suit. Jane Doe alleges that the university failed to support her after she was allegedly drugged and raped by several men over multiple hours at a fraternity party. Shortly before her appointment as special prosecutor, James posted on X: "What this young pistillate has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable." "I'm holding her successful my bosom and successful my prayers," she continued. "To her, and to each survivors: you're not alone. We basal with you." The attorney representing one of the seven accused men said those statements disqualify James from the role. In a communication sent to CBS News, the BBC’s U.S. media partner, the lawyer argued that James’s remarks conflict with the need for an independent evaluation of the evidence. "This is not an accusation that Attorney General James is corrupt, acting successful atrocious religion oregon incapable of performing her duties professionally," the connection said. "Nor americium I suggesting that a tribunal has determined that she is legally disqualified. The constituent is overmuch narrower: an avoidable question present hangs implicit this investigation, and voluntary recusal would region it." During a press briefing, Governor Hochul and James faced questions about impartiality; Hochul stated that James would "follow the facts". "She'll analyse the grounds and spell wherever it leads, and if the grounds supports charges, she volition prosecute them," Hochul said.