A disturbing Cornell University sexual assault case sparked a heated discussion on The View, with Sunny Hostin defending the legal process… and social media is dragging her.
The exchange unfolded Tuesday as prosecutors reopened their investigation into allegations that seven fraternity members sexually assaulted a female student in 2024.
Hostin, a former federal prosecutor, said the public reaction had raced ahead of the criminal justice system.
“I think people are reporting this story inaccurately. I think they’re reporting it unfairly,” she told her co-hosts.
"The View" host Sunny Hostin stands up for accused Cornell gang rape defendants.
— TMZ (@TMZ) September 29, 2026
: ABC pic.twitter.com/4wo46PXsQU
The former student, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, alleges she was pressured into consuming drugs before being assaulted for hours inside Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity house. Her lawsuit also includes Snapchat messages allegedly encouraging other fraternity members to join the assault.
Hostin cited the woman’s original police statement, arguing that prosecutors lacked sufficient grounds to bring criminal charges in 2024.
“There is no way, according to her statement in 2024, that any prosecutor would have brought forth a case,” she said.
Alyssa Farah Griffin acknowledged Hostin’s defense of the men but doubted whether someone heavily intoxicated could meaningfully consent.
Cornell University supports the decision of the Tompkins County District Attorney to provide an opportunity for the victim’s story in the 2024 Chi Phi fraternity sexual assault case to be heard by a criminal grand jury.
— Cornell University (@Cornell) September 28, 2026
Our statement: https://t.co/FIW8I8JYlU
“How could you possibly consent?” she asked. “My issues is with the law there.”
Cornell now says its disciplinary investigation resulted in expulsions and suspensions, while the woman’s attorney maintains that she was denied justice.
Prosecutors are preparing to present the case to a grand jury. No criminal charges have been filed against the seven men.
Social media is calling otu Hostin for her stance.
@Sunny is LITERALLY making excuses for RAPE! THIS is why men keep getting away with this! It's because of lawyers like HER looking for "loopholes." This is why all of this talk about how terrible men are have no validity in court when WOMEN back up predators! @TheView #TheView
— Mr. Awesome (@Blackbeat_Press) September 29, 2026
i love sunny hostin but she lost me on the view today bc everyone knows u should not engage in sex if someone is butt drunk g. the cornell 7 were rapist, end of discussion
— princess lex (@alexwoaa) September 29, 2026
Sunny Hostin going on national TV to run defense for the accused Cornell frat guys by picking apart the victim’s statements might be the most atrocious take of the year. Claiming to be an advocate for women until it’s time to play defense attorney on daytime TV. Absolutely…
— Tyler Disney (@tylerdisney12) September 29, 2026