Ex-Diddy prosecutor to lead Cornell gang rape investigation

New York Attorney General Letitia James has appointed ex-federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to lead an investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University. The incident, reported in a lawsuit filed last month, involves a female student allegedly pressured to take ketamine before being assaulted and raped by seven male students on campus.

Cornell, an Ivy League institution in New York state, faced widespread criticism for its handling of the case, which sparked nationwide outrage. Kelly, a seasoned prosecutor, oversaw the 2025 conviction of Sean "Diddy" Combs for prostitution-related crimes. She thanked James for entrusting her with leading the investigation. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James' office to lead the case after local authorities declined to prosecute in 2024 due to the complainant's testimony not establishing a lack of consent.

Cornell has appointed former top US prosecutor Sally Yates to lead an internal review of the university's response to the rape allegations.