Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Uncle Joe

(61,597 posts)
Wed May 7, 2025, 11:10 AM Wednesday

"Columbia Knew": Survivors Win Historic $750M from University & Hospital in OB-GYN Sex Abuse Case



A historic settlement is being hailed as a landmark victory for hundreds of women who survived abuse by Dr. Robert Hadden, a former Columbia University gynecologist. For over two decades, Columbia ignored his patients who spoke out, undermined prosecutors and shielded the sexual predator. “The university knew all the way back into the ’90s about what he was doing and how he was mistreating patients, but did nothing but lie, cover it up and expose more unsuspecting patients to a known serial predator,” says Anthony T. DiPietro, an attorney representing survivors in the case against Hadden.

One survivor, Eva Santos Veloz, visited Dr. Hadden at age 18. “This was my first birth,” says Veloz. “During my labor, he sexually assaulted me multiple times, not just once.”

On Tuesday, lawyers representing the women announced Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian agreed to pay $750 million after the former doctor abused the women under the guise of medical examinations. Legal payouts now top more than $1 billion, following earlier settlements. “The settlement is huge,” says Laurie Maldonado, another survivor and plaintiff in lawsuits against Hadden. “It was just a huge win for all of survivors, including Hadden survivors, but all of survivors.”

Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs on over 1,500 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream at democracynow.org Mondays to Fridays 8-9 a.m. ET.
5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
"Columbia Knew": Survivors Win Historic $750M from University & Hospital in OB-GYN Sex Abuse Case (Original Post) Uncle Joe Wednesday OP
I'm sure Dr. Hadden swong19104 Wednesday #1
A special "Women's Health" position will be created for him. Bluepinky Wednesday #2
Well, he's got the most experience swong19104 Wednesday #3
They can give him the "ovum" office. Turbineguy Wednesday #4
Reputation matters Be Leave On Wednesday #5

Bluepinky

(2,411 posts)
2. A special "Women's Health" position will be created for him.
Wed May 7, 2025, 11:35 AM
Wednesday

“Only the best people”, says Donald.

swong19104

(407 posts)
3. Well, he's got the most experience
Wed May 7, 2025, 11:39 AM
Wednesday

feeling up women’s ladybits, right? He’ll probably offer Zoom tutorials from the oval office.

Be Leave On

(173 posts)
5. Reputation matters
Wed May 7, 2025, 03:30 PM
Wednesday

Columbia University sure has done a lot to destroy its reputation and no one should ever consider that a decent institution again.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Cable News Clips»"Columbia Knew": Survivor...