Exposed: Cover-Up at Columbia University

He was a trusted OB-GYN working inside one of the most prestigious universities in the world, an Ivy League school that is home to Nobel Prize winners and medical all-stars. Yet behind closed doors, Dr. Robert Hadden assaulted hundreds — perhaps thousands — of unsuspecting patients. When it looked like no one would be held accountable, the survivors engaged in a decade-long fight for justice.

From the team behind the hit series Dr. Death, host and medical journalist Laura Beil unfurls the story of Dr. Hadden’s horrific behavior and the ensuing cover-up. It’s a story of power: who has it, how they use it, and what it takes to get it back.

Binge all episodes of Exposed exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/exposed/ now. 

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Recent Reviews
  • Nepayattv
    😍
    Love love Laura so much she does a fantastic job ! Very sad it’s only on Wondery + , not everyone can spare the money to pay for the subscription 😫
  • Teon77
    Another Wonder from Wondery
    Excellent reporting & disturbing storyline. Thank you to the brave women who pushed forward with such a disturbing and traumatic experience.
  • Marniemarn123
    Inspiring
    I’m in awe of these women and the powerful force that moved them and brought them together to pursue justice. Thank you for investigating and presenting their story and this case. I am across the country and had not heard of it. I came across this podcast by chance, too and can’t tell you how grateful I am to have found it. I am facing an equally personal fight to hold ‘the powers that be’ accountable for failings that have led to the most painful tragedy I’ve ever known. Your podcast presentation of these women have renewed my hope and willingness to continue pushing for justice. Thank you so very much may God Bless you all
  • 24mc
    Fantastic
    Really well done
  • More Crime - Less Politics
    Good Show - Bad Business
    Series was amazing! Well written, well produced and very intriguing. However, the final episodes are only available with a subscription. Either have the entire series available or not.
  • Kmf724
    Excellent
    Laura Beil and her group did it again! Fantastic reporting!
  • Baring Roadster
    Exposed
    Absolutely wonderful reporting and coverage of this story. I binge listened to it as it was so well done. Fantastic!
  • kelly31
    Excellent Reporting
    This is investigative journalism at its finest. Thank goodness we have these types of reporters working to expose these injustices.
  • Rachelnorth
    Disturbing & well told story
    First I just have to say that some of the lower rated reviews are pretty disgusting to read, saying that “females like this” who didn’t report helped perpetrate this crime, that “getting your 😽 licked once shouldn’t be worth than a Taco Bell meal”, why didn’t they just leave, that Lauries boyfriend was the real hero and not Laurie for calling 911 (let’s just ignore that she willingly participated in the investigation…)etc. were just absolutely disgusting things to read, people that think this way about sexual assault are a large part of the problem. Being victimized and sexually assaulted by your OB would make you distrustful of all medical providers, especially when this occurred when women were already vulnerable, either pregnant or freshly postpartum. The fact that people still think this way is almost as disturbing as the crimes committed and the coverup. Stories like this are why I only have female doctors, especially a female OB.
  • ashljames
    Usually love this narrator and wondry.
    Couldn’t get past the first episode. it’s hard to believe a doctor would LICK her vagina. For what ? What does a man get out of that? Also, I can’t imagine seeking money from someone for licking my vagina.
  • Sherwink
    Very well done
    So disturbing and maddening that this man was protected at the expense of so many women. Thank you for this reporting and thank you to the courageous women who did not stop fighting.
  • Cbri1991
    No words..
    I can’t even think of what to say to express how this podcast makes me feel. All I can say is, thank you so much for doing the work of exposing this and to say other survivors are relieved beyond imagination to know they are NOT alone.
  • SniffelBug
    Wow
    Great story telling! Such an emotional rollercoaster.
  • A.Eigh
    Powerful, Horrifying, and Enraging
    I was horrified listening to the abuse and institutional coverup enabling the abuse to continue. It’s horrifying that this is real. The roller coaster of emotions while listening ranged from disgust, rage, sadness, and hope. I audibly gasped and cried during some portions. I’m going to recommend this podcast to everyone.
  • Jess The Podcast Enthusiast
    Horrifying, Gripping Story. Important to Know!
    This story is so heartbreaking and horrifying. I’m so glad it was so well reported. To those writing reviews saying “they should have just left the room” or “it wasn’t that bad, she should have settled for the 10K” you are part of the problem. This whole story was about how hundreds if not thousands of women were abused by him. Do you really think it was as simple as just leaving the room? It disgusts me that people would want someone to accept a lesser amount because it “wasn’t that bad”. A sexual assault like this has an effect on the victim’s life forever after. To me, there is no dollar amount that can erase the lifetime of repercussions the victim will have to deal with. This podcast truly shines a light on so many shortcomings in our legal system and the commentary here is evidence of the mentality that continues to support such shortcomings. We need to do better.
  • psaltyne
    Must listen
    This story is precisely the reason why as a female, I will always choose a female care provider.
  • A meathead
    Important
    Really outstanding. So well done.
  • HeatherZeug
    Amazing
    I NEVER write reviews but this podcast was so well done I had to write something. It made me cry, made me yell and made me feel inspired. Exceptional reporting.
  • JaxMom13
    Completed the podcast and I’m in disbelief
    This story made me sick to my stomach and gave me chills at the same time. Love your reporting, Laura. Thanks for your compassion, due diligence, and ability to continually advocate for victims.
  • Nullity
    Mid
    I had to unsubscribe during the third episode of six because it could have been told in one episode, rather than stretching it out to six. Also, the woman who turned down the 10K for one lick of 🐱 personally I would’ve settled for a Taco Bell meal in exchange, but $475,000???
  • Lisa__H1
    Wow
    Thank you for this. Former employee and for PT. Just … Thank you !
  • USA Mknitter
    Saddened about the paywall but excellent reporting
    Have listened to Laura Beil’s other podcasts over the past few years, most of which was not behind a paywall at that time. Five of the 11 episodes in Exposed were behind a paywall. Why not release them at later dates? Why does the podcast (Wondery, with its multitude of podcasts) have to require a subscription now when it did not do so pre-2020/2021? Laura and her staff did a good job in reporting this — at least in the episodes I was able to listen to. It was so sad to see that institutions, and government entities such as a district attorney, can so easily avoid responsibility in accountability, or at least when truthfulness is expected. Having lived in other countries (Europe, SE Asia, and Canada), it’s sad to see that status, prestige, and $ usually win on the side of injustice. Is the USA any different from any other country? Our country is just as guilty as any other country, except we might be better at “hiding” our bad actions. In SE Asia where bribes were/are rampant, it was “OK, as long as you didn’t get caught.” Basically, do whatever bad things you wanted to do, as long as you didn’t get caught!
  • booksholic
    Okay?
    This situation is horrid for sure. I mean it’s been decades that an OBGYN has to have an individual in the room at ALL times. If she noticed odd behavior ever she should have found another doctor. Also, why not just leave the room? She is in an office building, it’s not like there is no one around. This should be a good lesson for anyone listening what needs to be done upon discovering any odd behavior from medical personnel and report immediately to the medical board.
  • Bethsward
    Laura Strikes Again!
    This is an excellent podcast. This was such an important story to share and Laura did an excellent job laying out the facts while simultaneously respecting the very sensitive emotions surrounding the case. So well done! I’m so glad these women came forward in unity to bring down a monster in a white coat.
  • hyperberry
    Phenomenal
    Incredible investigating yet again by Laura. I feel so deeply for these poor victims and am quite pleased she aptly titled the series about Columbia, because they are the co-conspirator behind all of this.
  • gabster713
    Kudos on this podcast!
    I’m utterly shocked and disgusted by the events that impacted so many women. Thank you for sharing and producing such a roller coaster of emotions.
  • McNancy1
    Exceptional
    A really excellent podcast in every way. Great reporting, very well paced and balanced. This is an important story which impacted the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of women. Pregnancy is an especially veritable time, one is dependent on medical professionals and subject to unfamiliar procedures, during which doctors and medical institutions are trusted to act in best interest of the patient This podcast shows what happens when that trust was violated by one doctor and the institution that chose to protect him rather than his patients.
  • Joe3llis
    Ignore the bad reviews, this is a top notch and important story
    Incels feel compelled to give bad reviews and a few others are complaining about ads/paywalls, but what is available for free is stellar.
  • ThePinkSuperhero
    Deeply Important
    Thank you for reporting
  • CT Mom of 4
    Sickened
    This is so important and thank God these women came forward to put this sicko behind bars and to hold this “trusted” institution accountable. In my book NOT trusted, disappointed.
  • Smack7
    At a loss for words
    Might listen start to finish a second time
  • La Brujita5
    Excellent podcast
    Incredible reporting - thorough coverage! Unbelievable ! Thank you for creating a platform for survivors.
  • Les latte
    Robert Haden
    Laura Biel is my absolute favorite podcaster/ investigator!!!! She is a thorough and thoughtful host and her sincerity comes through her voice. Keep on podcasting!!!!!
  • progressiveinga
    Great Reporting
    This is a binge-worthy tale brought by two great reporters. Just an incredible set of facts and told with respect relative to the survivors.
  • KateLac
    Awesome podcast!
    What a story to report on and through out I was on the edge of my seat with anger but also wanting to know what’s next and hoping for justice! Really enjoyed the voice of the narrator and look forward to future seasons!
  • Save the pollinators
    Well done, important work
    This podcast was very well researched and reported. Such an important topic, thank you for taking on these cases and shedding light on the ways that women are silenced and abused within the unchecked power of medical systems.
  • Real Felice
    Boring
    I understand it might look rude to call this horrible, real story “boring”. The events that took place are disgusting and it’s it’s great to expose what the school did (or should I say didn’t do) and the doctor. I call this podcast boring as I found the moderation and storyline to be extremely repetitive and drone on and on without just moving the story forward. It felt like they wanted a certain amount of episodes and stretched the content. There is very little to this podcast and they take an eternity to tell what they have. I am shocked by the number of 5 star reviews and wonder if they are fake. And these are not “survivors” as they are referred to repeatedly in the podcast. They are victims. Calling them survivors belittles true survivors of life threatening crimes.
  • csl writes
    Incredible reporting
    Don’t sleep on the final episode. It comes together so well in the end.
  • Frineck
    Unfortunate Events, Great Storytelling
    Wondery is usually a safe bet. What happened to these women is horrific. It was told in a compelling way.
  • EvenMorePerfect
    Correction
    Lorre’s BOYFRIEND called the police… they’re making it like she’s this “legend” they said or hero but it was her BOYFRIEND who had the foresight and courage to call the police. But let’s not give credit where credit is due. Thank you Lorres boyfriend, you’re an unsung hero for starting all of this and getting a predictor out of practice and off the streets.
  • South bay shopshop
    Well done-riveting
    I just finished listening to this series. Well reported, scary as all get out. I wish I could right a letter to all those women that came forward and say thank you. Especially Laurie, I’m glad you trusted your gut and kept talking.
  • Fu#! Y@!
    Attention All Women
    This story is more than shocking. It highlights how disappointing people in high places can be when it comes to protecting their own income and image. Every woman should listen to this captivating story.
  • patrixy
    excellent
    excellent reporting (as always from Laura Biel) and compelling story. And a very damning (and embarrassing) picture of an institution with such hubris that it refuses to accept some responsibility. A great listen especially with an eye on the blind trust we put in some people and institutions.
  • ShelbyVia
    Very well done
    This podcast was so good. They did such a good job exposing Dr Hadden and spotlighting Columbia’s inaction throughout the whole story. Very heartbreaking, but also very powerful to think of women coming together to takedown a predator.
  • Victoria Ciciotti
    Incredible story
    Really great reporting from Laura Beil and Bianca - heartbreaking story, but it’s so important to tell!
  • **Tbird**
    Exceptional!!
    Thank you for telling this story! I am at a loss for words that a University & a Doctor would do these unspeakable acts!
  • ErinJ1980
    Excellent podcast
    Excellent podcast! I highly recommend. I am shook that Dr. Mary D’Alton at Columbia is still there after all of this. The last place I would go is to Columbia now knowing she is the Chair of the Department of OB and learning she (allegedly) knew about these sexual assaults and let Dr Haddon go back to work that next day and continue to violate women.
  • Lexicon126
    Amazing Podcast Highlighting the Abhorrence that surrounds the most defenseless
    Easy binge, captivating story, I look forward to what comes next
  • JWB_2
    A must
    I had not heard of this case, but I’m So glad I found it. Binged this in no time such a easy listen.
  • claviermaestro
    Brave victims’ story told with excellent reporting
    Thank you for the story. Kudos to all the customs who came forward and testified.
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