"The View" co-host Sunny Hostin said on the show's "Behind the Table" podcast that actress Cynthia Erivo phoned her about a viral segment on the Cornell 7 sexual assault case. Hostin described the call after facing severe online backlash.

The backlash followed remarks Hostin made to viewers last week. She had said it was important to understand why the district attorney did not bring charges in 2024.

Hostin said Erivo, who was in Paris working on a project at the time, was blunt but warm during the call. Recalling the conversation, Hostin said Erivo told her: "Sis, I know you and I know your heart and your life's work has been about protecting women and children.

But, the clip that I saw doesn't reflect who you are." Erivo advised Hostin to lead with empathy rather than the law so her message could land effectively. Hostin said she took that advice on board.

Hostin explained that she had initially led with the law because other panelists spoke emotionally. That, she said, prompted her to highlight a terrible New York statute that needs changing.

Hostin denied defending the accused men or shaming the victim. She said she spent most of her career prosecuting sex crimes.

She argued that the legal bar for proving sexual assault in New York is exceptionally high and almost impossible to clear. The Cornell 7 refers to seven male students accused of drugging and gang raping a female classmate, identified as Jane Doe, at Cornell University in October 2024.

Doe is now suing the accused men, their fraternity, Cornell, and her former sorority. Doe's attorney noted that the original investigations resulted in only two expulsions.

Lesser sanctions included temporary suspensions, workshops, and essay-writing assignments. The case has drawn widespread attention across Hollywood.

Florence Pugh went viral on Instagram urging men to lead conversations about changing complicity. Mariska Hargitay, Josh Gad, and Hudson Williams also condemned the accused.

Williams posted "Arrest them" on his Instagram story.