Columbia University Faces Over $1 Billion in Settlements After Hadden Sex Abuse Scandal
Columbia University is grappling with the fallout from the Robert Hadden sex abuse scandal, now facing over $1 billion in settlements following a recent agreement with hundreds of victims. The university reached a record-breaking $750 million settlement with 576 individuals who were sexually abused by the disgraced gynecologist, Robert Hadden. This agreement, finalized in Manhattan Supreme Court, brings the total payout from Columbia University related to Hadden’s crimes to over $1 billion, factoring in previous settlements.
Robert Hadden, a former gynecologist affiliated with prestigious New York City hospitals, including those associated with Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2023. His conviction stemmed from years of sexually abusing vulnerable patients under the guise of medical examinations. The abuse took place over a significant period, leaving lasting trauma on hundreds of women.
Victims’ attorney, Anthony T. DiPietro, has been a driving force in bringing Columbia University to account for its role in enabling Hadden’s actions. He secured the $750 million settlement, which translates to an average of $1.3 million per victim. DiPietro emphasized that the settlements are not merely about financial compensation but about holding Columbia University accountable for its failure to protect its patients.
Laurie Maldonando, a former patient of Hadden’s for nearly a decade, expressed the sentiments of many victims. She stated that Columbia University "enabled sadistic abuse" and has now been "forced to face the truth." Maldonando’s words underscore the deep sense of betrayal and the long-lasting impact of the abuse on the victims’ lives.
DiPietro’s pursuit of justice for the victims of Robert Hadden began in 2012. He claims to have uncovered a "smoking gun" – a letter written in 1995 by the then-head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University, apologizing for Hadden’s assault. This letter contradicts the university’s claims that they were unaware of Hadden’s misconduct, raising questions about institutional negligence and a potential cover-up. The discovery of this crucial piece of evidence in a client’s basement in Utah highlights the extensive efforts required to expose the truth.
Prior to the recent $750 million settlement, DiPietro had already secured $277 million in settlements against Columbia University for Hadden’s victims. With the addition of Monday’s agreement, the total amount Columbia University has been ordered to pay out surpasses $1 billion. The magnitude of the financial settlements underscores the severity and extent of the harm caused by Hadden’s actions and the university’s apparent failure to prevent or stop it.
Columbia University issued a statement acknowledging the pain suffered by Hadden’s patients. A university spokesperson stated that "We deeply regret the pain that his patients suffered, and this settlement is another step forward in our ongoing work and commitment to repair harm and support survivors." The university also commended the survivors for their bravery in coming forward and seeking justice.
In 2023, Columbia University announced the establishment of a $100 million victims’ fund. However, DiPietro criticized this fund as "woefully inadequate," given the scale of the abuse and the number of victims. The university stated that in addition to the victims’ fund, they initiated an external investigation and updated patient safety policies and programs to address the abuses of Robert Hadden. These measures are aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
DiPietro emphasized that the settlements send a powerful message: "We’re here to ensure that institutions covering up exploitation and abuse will be held fully accountable for their crimes." His words reflect the broader goal of holding institutions responsible for protecting their patients and preventing predatory individuals from exploiting their positions of power.
Beyond the Hadden case, DiPietro is also representing 400 men who claim to be victims of another physician, urologist Darius Paduch. This ongoing case highlights the potential for abuse within the medical profession and the need for greater oversight and accountability.
The Robert Hadden case and the allegations against Darius Paduch raise serious concerns about patient safety and institutional responsibility within the healthcare system. DiPietro stated that "Hospitals cannot be allowed to cover up misconduct that harms patients—especially when it involves predatory physicians hiding behind their medical licenses to exploit and abuse."
The Columbia University settlement serves as a stark reminder that institutions must prioritize patient safety and take decisive action to prevent and address misconduct by medical professionals. The pursuit of justice for the victims of Robert Hadden has exposed systemic failures and led to significant financial consequences for Columbia University. The hope is that this case will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting healthcare institutions to implement stronger safeguards and hold those who abuse their positions of power accountable for their actions. The bravery of the victims in coming forward and the tireless efforts of their attorney have brought a measure of justice and will hopefully prevent future abuse.
