Geraldo Rivera reflects on Willowbrook investigation 54 years later
It is one of the most important stories we've ever done at Eyewitness News, our investigation into the institution on Staten Island for people with disabilities known as Willowbrook 54 years ago.
Geraldo Rivera, one of the most iconic reporters in TV history, broke the story after doctors who were disgusted by what they were seeing let him in to tell the world what was really going on inside Willowbrook.
Rivera will be honored by the College of Staten Island (CSI) Foundation at their Annual Benefit on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The school now sits on the land that once held Willowbrook.
Bill Ritter spoke with him this week about what he did and what it means.
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