Columbia University declared a $165 settlement with 147 women who were patients of former gynecologist Robert Hadden.  

Around 150 women have reported the sexual misconduct of Hadden since he pleaded guilty in 2016 to abusing 19 women. Serving no prison time, Hadden now faces federal charges of sexual misconduct by alluring women, including a minor, to travel from outside New York State to his Manhattan offices to engage in sexual acts from 1993 to 2012. 

Hadden worked at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital until 2012. These hospitals have established a compensation fund to be distributed to the women, victims of Hadden’s sexual assault. This compensation follows a $71.5 settlement in 2021 between the hospitals and 79 women who were former patients. 

Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology said in a press release, “We deeply regret the pain that Robert Hadden’s patients suffered and hope that these resolutions will provide some measure of support for the women he hurt. All those who came forward should be commended. We are committed to the safety and dignity of every one of our patients and have adopted policies to ensure they are protected and empowered while in our care. We have revised existing policies, adopted new ones, and expanded resources to earn and maintain patients’ trust.” 

Attorney Anthony T. DiPietro, who represents more than 230 of Hadden’s victims, said in a statement that the settlement was “just the beginning.” He claims that “many aren’t even aware of how they were sexually exploited.” 

In 2016, Hadden pleaded guilty to a third-degree criminal sex act, two counts of forcible touching, and two counts of sexual abuse, which required him to surrender his medical license. In an arrangement with the Manhattan district attorney's office, the lawyers agreed not to press charges of further sexual assault against him or seek prison time.

The prosecutor’s office confirmed that this new investigation regarding the allegations, however, is still ongoing. 

By Emilie Chi