What you should know
- Robert Hadden, a former Columbia University physician, faces federal charges for allegedly enticing patients to travel in order to sexually abuse them.
- A federal indictment alleges that Hadden abused dozens of women, including minors, in the early 1990s.
- Hadden previously settled on state charges with Manhattan prosecutors in 2016 that allowed him to avoid jail time.
—
NEW YORK – Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital announced a settlement Wednesday with 79 women who say they have been abused by former gynecologist Robert Hadden, who faces federal criminal charges for sexually abusing patients for nearly two decades.
The settlement establishes a $ 71.5 million compensation fund to be administered by an independent special teacher, the Irving Medical Center of Columbia University and the New York Presbyterian said in a news release.
Hadden, 63, was indicted in September 2020 on federal charges of bringing women across state lines for the purpose of sexual abuse between 1993 and 2012 while working as a physician at the two hospitals. He pleaded not guilty.
Audrey Strauss, then-acting federal prosecutor in Manhattan, said Hadden had “inappropriately touched, squeezed and even licked his victims” while allegedly conducting medical exams.
Among her accusers was Evelyn Yang, the wife of former New York City mayoral candidate and presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who made public allegations last year that Hadden abused her when she was his patient in 2012.
Hadden was convicted in 2016 in New York State court after pleading guilty to a third degree criminal sexual act and forcibly touching. He was asked to surrender his medical license, but was not sentenced to prison.
The 79 women who settled with the hospitals are among dozens of former patients who have filed civil lawsuits over their alleged abuse by Hadden.
Adam P. Slater, the women’s attorney, said the settlement, combined with Hadden’s ongoing federal prosecution, “will hopefully reduce their trauma, allow them to find some closure and put this ordeal behind them.”
The hospitals said they are working to resolve pending claims with additional former patients.
“All patients deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and to be safe and secure,” said Donna Lynne, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “We deeply regret that Hadden violated these fundamental obligations.”
An email seeking comment was sent to Hadden’s attorney.
– .
