Brief
Sunny Hostin backs Tompkins County DA’s decision not to charge Cornell fraternity members
Hostin argued the accuser’s 2024 statement did not meet New York consent law, echoing District Attorney Matthew Van Houten’s rationale.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Tuesday, "The View" co‑host Sunny Hostin said there was “no way” Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten could have filed charges against seven Chi Phi fraternity brothers accused of a 2024 gang‑rape at Cornell University.
Hostin cited the accuser’s 2024 police report, which she said indicated the victim voluntarily ingested alcohol and ketamine and consented to multiple sexual encounters. She quoted New York law that “voluntary intoxication… does not legally constitute an inability to consent,” mirroring the DA’s explanation for the 2024 decision not to prosecute.
The accuser, identified in a 101‑page civil lawsuit filed on September 16, 2026, alleges she was drugged and assaulted by the seven brothers in October 2024. The lawsuit prompted Van Houten to reopen the criminal probe and present evidence to a grand jury, as reported in earlier Felo News coverage.
Hostin, whose daughter attends Cornell, reiterated the DA’s stance during the broadcast, saying the victim’s own statements about consenting to threesomes and drug use undercut any criminal case under current state law.
Key facts
- Sunny Hostin defended Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten’s 2024 decision not to charge seven Chi Phi fraternity members. (nypost.com)
- Hostin cited the accuser’s 2024 police report, claiming it showed voluntary drug and alcohol use and consent. (nypost.com)
- The accuser filed a 101‑page civil lawsuit on September 16, 2026, alleging gang‑rape and drugging in October 2024. (nypost.com)
Timeline
- 2024-10-01 — Alleged assault of Cornell student by seven Chi Phi fraternity members.
- 2024-12-01 — Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten decided not to bring charges.
- 2026-09-16 — Accuser filed 101‑page civil lawsuit.
- 2026-09-29 — Sunny Hostin discussed the case on "The View".
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Sunny Hostin backs DA’s 2024 decision not to charge ‘Cornell 7’ accused of gang rape: ‘No way’”
