Cynthia Erivo Called Sunny Hostin After Cornell Remarks Drew Backlash

Cynthia Erivo telephoned Sunny Hostin to raise concerns after Hostin's on-air comments about an alleged sexual assault at Cornell University drew backlash.

Hostin described the private call on The View's companion podcast, Behind the Table, according to Variety. The conversation was also reported by Entertainment Weekly and TMZ on 6 October 2026.

The call came from Paris. Erivo was there working on a new project when she rang Hostin about a viral clip of the Cornell segment.

Erivo told Hostin the clip "doesn't reflect who you are," Hostin said on the podcast. Erivo also offered guidance on how to frame the legal discussion.

On The View, Hostin had said "it's important to understand why the DA did not bring a case" against the seven accused men in 2024. The DA, or district attorney, is the prosecutor who decides whether criminal charges are filed.

The case is known as the Cornell 7. It refers to seven male students accused of drugging and gang-raping a female classmate at Cornell University in October 2024. The woman, identified as Jane Doe, is suing her alleged assaulters as well as their fraternity, Cornell University and her former sorority.

Hostin said on the podcast she "led with the law" because others on the panel had already spoken emotionally about the allegations. She said she spent the majority of her career prosecuting sex crimes.

Erivo advised her to reverse that order. Lead with empathy rather than leading with the law, Erivo said, so people could receive the message about the law.

The View airs weekdays at 11e/10c/p, according to ABC. Full episodes stream on Hulu. The Behind the Table discussion features Hostin in conversation with executive producer Brian Teta, according to iHeart.