New York State Attorney General Initiates Sweeping Investigation into Columbia University’s Handling of Predatory Doctor Robert Hadden.

The New York State Attorney General’s office has launched a comprehensive investigation into Columbia University’s institutional failures that allowed Robert Hadden, a former prominent OB-GYN, to continue practicing and preying on patients for decades despite repeated warnings and credible accusations. This significant move by the state’s chief legal officer signals an escalating demand for accountability from one of the nation’s most prestigious academic and medical institutions, which has already paid over $1 billion in settlements related to Hadden’s sexual abuse.

“The Office of the Attorney General is conducting a thorough investigation into the institutional response to Robert Hadden’s misconduct,” a spokesperson confirmed in a statement to ProPublica, declining to provide further specifics on the ongoing probe. The investigation comes on the heels of extensive reporting by ProPublica and increasing pressure from survivors, medical students, and state lawmakers who argue that Columbia has yet to genuinely reckon with its role in enabling Hadden’s egregious crimes.

The Robert Hadden Scandal: A Decades-Long Betrayal of Trust

The saga of Robert Hadden at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) is a chilling chronicle of alleged institutional negligence and a profound breach of patient trust. Hadden, a seemingly respected obstetrician-gynecologist, used his position of authority to sexually abuse countless patients over two decades. The scope of his misconduct and Columbia’s alleged complicity first came into stark public light through a damning ProPublica investigation published in the fall of 2023. This report meticulously detailed how Columbia administrators and medical staff allegedly disregarded numerous complaints, enabling Hadden to continue his predatory behavior.

A pivotal moment highlighted by the investigation occurred in 2012. After a patient courageously called 911 to report that Hadden had sexually assaulted her, Columbia was directly confronted with evidence of his misconduct. Shockingly, instead of immediately suspending or terminating Hadden, the university permitted him to resume seeing patients just days later. This decision is at the heart of the current outrage and the Attorney General’s investigation, raising critical questions about the university’s priorities – whether patient safety or institutional reputation took precedence.

Hadden’s reign of terror ultimately ended with his federal conviction in early 2023 for sexually abusing patients. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison, a testament to the severity and duration of his crimes. His conviction marked a victory for his victims, but for many, it also underscored the profound institutional failures that allowed him to operate with impunity for so long.

A Timeline of Negligence and Delayed Accountability

The chronology of events surrounding the Hadden scandal paints a troubling picture of delayed action and a persistent lack of transparency from Columbia:

• 1990s-Early 2010s: Robert Hadden practices as an OB-GYN at Columbia, during which time he allegedly begins sexually abusing patients. Warnings and complaints reportedly surface periodically.
• 2012: A patient reports Hadden’s sexual assault to 911. Columbia is directly notified but allows Hadden to continue practicing shortly thereafter.
• 2014: Hadden’s medical license is suspended after New York State officials investigate allegations against him.
• 2016: Hadden pleads guilty to state charges related to sexual abuse but avoids prison time, instead surrendering his medical license and agreeing to supervision.
• Late 2010s – Early 2020s: More survivors come forward, leading to civil lawsuits against Hadden and Columbia.
• 2022: The New York State Adult Survivors Act is passed, opening a one-year look-back window for survivors of sexual assault to file civil suits, even if the statute of limitations had expired. This law significantly impacts the number of claims against Columbia.
• Early 2023: Hadden is convicted in federal court of sexually abusing patients, receiving a 20-year prison sentence.
• Fall 2023: ProPublica publishes its in-depth investigation, "Columbia Ignored Women and Ultimately Protected Robert Hadden," detailing the university’s alleged complicity.
• Shortly After ProPublica Investigation (Early 2024): Columbia publicly commits to reforms, including improved patient safety protocols, establishes a $100 million fund for victims, and announces an independent investigation into the circumstances that allowed Hadden’s abuse to continue.
• November 2023: Just 10 days before the Adult Survivors Act window closes, Columbia belatedly sends letters to nearly 6,500 of Hadden’s former patients, notifying them of his misconduct. This delay drew significant criticism.
• January 2024: A closed town hall meeting at the medical school reveals that the decision to delay patient notification was made by Columbia’s Board of Trustees due to litigation cost concerns.
• February 2024: Columbia issues an announcement acknowledging "many questions" about the timing of its commissioned investigation report, stating it is expected "soon."
• Current: The New York State Attorney General’s office announces its comprehensive investigation into Columbia’s institutional response to Hadden’s misconduct.

Columbia’s Financial and Reputational Fallout

The financial toll on Columbia has been staggering. The university has already disbursed more than $1 billion to settle over 1,000 claims of sexual abuse related to Hadden. This figure places the Hadden scandal among the costliest institutional sexual abuse cases in U.S. history, rivaling the payouts seen in cases involving Larry Nassar at Michigan State University, George Tyndall at USC, and Robert Anderson at the University of Michigan. These precedents underscore a pattern of prestigious institutions facing immense financial and reputational damage for failing to protect vulnerable individuals under their care.

In response to the mounting pressure and the extensive media coverage, Columbia did announce a multi-pronged plan to address past abuses and support survivors. This included a commitment to improve patient safety protocols, a $100 million fund dedicated to compensating victims who prefer not to pursue litigation (with the deadline for claims recently extended to April 15), and a promise for an independent investigation into the institutional failures. However, the efficacy and sincerity of these reforms have been met with skepticism.

The Lingering Shadow of Unanswered Questions and Unpunished Administrators

Despite the significant financial settlements and announced reforms, a glaring omission remains: the apparent lack of accountability for high-ranking Columbia administrators. Unlike other universities embroiled in similar scandals where presidents, deans, and other senior officials were forced to resign or faced disciplinary action, no higher-ups at Columbia appear to have lost their jobs or been publicly disciplined. This perceived impunity has become a major point of contention for survivors, students, and advocates.

Dr. Mary D’Alton, for instance, who was reportedly cc’d on a letter authorizing Hadden’s return to work in 2012, continues to serve as the chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department. Her continued tenure, and that of others who may have been aware of or involved in decisions regarding Hadden, sends a troubling message about the institution’s willingness to truly confront its past. Dr. D’Alton did not respond to requests for comment, and Columbia University itself declined to comment on the ongoing story.

Furthermore, the independent investigation commissioned by Columbia to "thoroughly examine the circumstances that allowed Hadden’s abuse to continue" has yet to yield a public report. This delay, now stretching over two years since the university’s initial promise, has fueled frustration and distrust. Assemblymember Grace Lee blasted the university’s inaction, telling ProPublica, “To me, it’s just outrageous that we are here now in 2026 and we still have no report and no one has been held accountable.” She noted that a similar external investigation into the University of Michigan’s response to former physician Robert Anderson’s crimes took approximately 15 months, highlighting Columbia’s protracted timeline.

The Attorney General’s Intervention: A Beacon of Hope for Accountability

The New York State Attorney General’s office wields significant power over non-profit organizations, including private universities like Columbia. Historically, the AG’s office has demonstrated its capacity to enforce profound changes, as seen in its actions against the Trump Foundation, which it forced to shut down, and the National Rifle Association, which was compelled to enact a series of reforms following a lawsuit. This precedent suggests that the current investigation could lead to substantial mandates for Columbia, potentially including forced governance reforms, disciplinary actions against administrators, and further financial penalties.

For survivors, the AG’s intervention represents a crucial turning point. Evelyn Yang, one of at least eight patients assaulted by Hadden after his controversial return to work in 2012 (she was seven months pregnant at the time), expressed her relief. “Accountability is overdue, particularly in light of the Epstein files,” Yang stated, drawing a parallel to recent revelations connecting several Columbia affiliates to financier Jeffrey Epstein and his network of abuse. This linkage further intensifies scrutiny on Columbia’s broader ethical conduct and institutional integrity.

Marissa Hoechstetter, another Hadden survivor and a tireless advocate for institutional accountability, echoed Yang’s sentiments. “I do believe institutional accountability is a missing part of making a bigger change in the fight of gender-based violence,” Hoechstetter said, referring to the Attorney General’s probe. “I don’t know what will come of this investigation, but it shows that institutions that protect and cover up abusers in order to protect their own people and reputation will be held accountable.”

Both Hoechstetter and Yang were instrumental in advocating for the passage of the Adult Survivors Act, a landmark New York State law enacted in 2022. This legislation opened a critical one-year window, allowing survivors of sexual assault to file civil lawsuits against their abusers or the institutions that protected them, even if the traditional statute of limitations had expired. The impact of this act on the Hadden case was profound, leading to a surge in claims against Columbia.

The university’s delayed response to the Adult Survivors Act further fueled criticism. It was not until November 2023, a mere 10 days before the law’s extended filing window closed, that Columbia finally announced it would send notification letters to almost 6,500 of Hadden’s former patients. A closed town hall meeting at the medical school in January shed light on this delay, with Monica Lypson, the vice dean for medical education, reportedly telling students that the decision was "actually a Board of Trustee decision" made due to the "potential cost of litigation," according to a recording obtained by ProPublica. Lypson did not respond to a request for comment.

Broader Implications and the Path Forward

The New York State Attorney General’s investigation into Columbia University carries significant implications, not only for the institution itself but for the broader landscape of accountability within higher education and healthcare. It reinforces the growing societal demand that powerful institutions can no longer shield themselves from responsibility when their employees commit abuse and their internal systems fail to protect the vulnerable.

This probe could force Columbia to undertake more radical and transparent reforms than those it has voluntarily initiated. Potential outcomes include mandates for specific disciplinary actions against administrators, comprehensive overhauls of patient complaint and review processes, more stringent oversight mechanisms, and potentially further financial penalties. The Attorney General’s office has the power to compel compliance, ensuring that any reforms are not merely cosmetic but lead to substantive, lasting change.

The survivors of Robert Hadden’s abuse, along with a growing chorus of advocates and students, are steadfast in their demand for genuine accountability. The ongoing investigation provides a renewed sense of hope that the institutional failures at Columbia will finally be fully exposed and that those responsible for enabling a predator will face consequences, sending a clear message that protecting institutional reputation at the expense of human dignity will no longer be tolerated. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly serve as a critical precedent for how similar cases of institutional sexual abuse are addressed in the future.