Columbia University and Dr. Robert Hadden
A Columbia gynecologist's federal conviction and nearly $1 billion in settlements with former patients.
16 developments, 2019–2026, oldest first.
2019
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19 women accused Columbia gynecologist Robert Hadden; plea deal spared prison
The Times reported that despite accusations from 19 women, former Columbia OB-GYN Robert Hadden received a 2016 plea deal with no prison time.
2020
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Evelyn Yang says she was assaulted by gynecologist Robert Hadden
Evelyn Yang, wife of presidential candidate Andrew Yang, said publicly that Hadden assaulted her while she was pregnant, renewing scrutiny of the case.
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Federal prosecutors indict Hadden on enticement charges
Hadden was arrested on a federal indictment accusing him of abusing dozens of patients from 1993 to 2012 and luring victims across state lines.
2021
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Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian agree to $71.5 million fund for Hadden accusers
Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian agreed to a $71.5 million settlement with 79 women who accused Hadden.
2022
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Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian to pay $165 million to Hadden accusers
A $165 million settlement with 147 women brought payouts related to Hadden to about $236 million.
2023
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Federal jury convicts Hadden of luring patients across state lines for abuse
A federal jury found Hadden guilty of four counts of enticing women to travel to New York for unlawful sexual activity.
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Judge jails Hadden ahead of sentencing
A federal judge revoked Hadden's bail and ordered him jailed pending sentencing after victims urged detention.
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Hadden sentenced to 20 years in federal prison
A federal judge sentenced Hadden to 20 years in prison for his conviction on enticement charges.
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ProPublica: Columbia ignored warnings and protected Hadden for two decades
A ProPublica and New York Magazine investigation detailed how Columbia failed to act on complaints and let Hadden return to work after his 2012 arrest.
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Hadden faces hundreds of new abuse claims
USA Today reported that hundreds of additional former patients had brought new abuse claims involving Hadden and Columbia.
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Columbia apologizes as it confronts revelations about Hadden
Columbia leadership issued an apology to Hadden's victims amid pressure from students, faculty and survivors following ProPublica's reporting.
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Columbia announces $100 million fund and notification of 6,500 Hadden patients
Columbia said it would create a $100 million survivors fund, notify about 6,500 former patients, and commission an external investigation.
2025
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Eighty more patients sue Columbia and affiliates over Hadden
Another 80 former patients filed suit against Columbia and affiliated institutions over Hadden's abuse.
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Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian reach $750 million Hadden settlement
A $750 million settlement covering 576 cases pushed total civil payouts related to Hadden above $1 billion.
2026
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New York attorney general investigates Columbia's handling of Hadden
The state attorney general's office opened an investigation into how Columbia handled warnings about Hadden.
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External report confirms Columbia failures; OB-GYN chair and ex-dean step down
A 156-page external report described a culture of silence that let Hadden's abuse continue; OB-GYN chair Mary D'Alton stepped down and former dean Lee Goldman is retiring.