NEW YORK (Washington Insider Magazine)– To settle claims of sexual misconduct and abuse made by 147 former patients of a former gynecologist, two hospitals in New York have agreed to pay over $165 million.
The agreement was announced on Friday by NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The two hospitals and 79 of Hadden’s former patients came to an agreement last year to create a $71 million compensation fund.
Robert Hadden, a doctor, gave up his license to practice medicine after being found guilty in 2016 of sex-related offenses in a state court but was spared a prison term. He is presently awaiting trial on several federal accusations stemming from the sexual abuse of numerous young and defenseless female victims for more than two decades.
The resident of Englewood, New Jersey, has entered a not-guilty plea to six charges of persuading individuals to travel for unlawful sex acts. A message was left with a lawyer Friday who represents Hadden.
According to ABC NEWS, prosecutors have dubbed Hadden a “predator in a white coat” and accused him of picking on innocent youngsters, including a baby girl he had delivered at birth.
Evelyn Yang, the wife of Andrew Yang, a former presidential contender, and New York City mayoral candidate, was one of Hadden’s accusers. She made public claims of Hadden’s mistreatment of her in 2020 when she was a patient of his in 2012.
The Columbia University Irving Medical Center released a statement on Friday: “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.”
Hadden accuser Marissa Hoechstetter, who was not part of the settlement on Friday, said in an email that the Adult Survivors Act of New York, which was enacted by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul in May, will provide a path for “countless other Hadden survivors.” The measure extended the statute of limitations for allegations of sexual abuse, which would have otherwise expired, by one year.
