OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
New York Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday that he will not resign from his office.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday that an independent investigation into Cuomo found that he sexually harassed multiple women in violation of federal and state law.
“For over three months, Executive Assistant #1 kept this groping incident to herself and planned to take it “to the grave,”4 but found herself becoming emotional (in a way that was visible to her colleagues in the Executive Chamber) while watching the Governor state, at a press conference on March 3, 2021, that he had never ‘touched anyone inappropriately’ She then confided in certain of her colleagues, who in turn reported her allegations to senior staff in the Executive Chamber,” the report said.
After the release of the report, Cuomo denied the allegations.
“There is another complaint I want to address from a woman in my office who said that I groped her in my home office. Let me be clear: That never happened,” Cuomo said.
“She wants anonymity, and I respect that. So I am limited about what I can say, but her lawyer has suggested that she will file a legal claim for damages. That will be decided in a court of law. Trial by newspaper or biased reviews are not the way to find the facts in this matter,” he added.
Cuomo said: “I welcome the opportunity for a full and fair review before a judge and a jury. Because this just did not happen. Other complaints raised against me questions that have sought to unfairly characterize and weaponize everyday interactions that I’ve had with any number of New Yorkers.”
“My attorney, who is a nonpolitical former federal prosecutor, has done a response to each allegation, and the facts are much different than what has been portrayed. That document is available on my website. If you are interested, please take the time to read the facts and decide for yourself. First, I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances,” he said.
WATCH:
Democrat New York Speaker of the House Carl Heastie issued a statement on Tuesday unloading on Cuomo.
“We have received the Attorney General’s 168-page report containing findings of sexual harassment and misconduct committed by Governor Cuomo. The findings contained in the report are disturbing. The details provided by the victims are gut-wrenching. Our hearts go out to all the individuals who have had to endure this horrible experience. The conduct by the Governor outlined in this report would indicate someone who is not fit for office,” the Speaker said.
“The report has been forwarded to the members of the Judiciary Committee as well as all members of the Assembly. We will now undertake an in-depth examination of the report and its corresponding exhibits with our Assembly counsels as well as the legal firm we have retained to assist us. We will have more to say in the very near future,” he said.
Republican Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay also said that Cuomo is not fit for office.
“It is in the best interest of the people of New York state for Gov. Cuomo to immediately resign and if he refuses to do so, the Legislature should take the necessary and immediate steps to have him impeached and forcibly removed from office,” he said.
Democrat Senate Majority Leader Andrew Stewart-Cousins said that Gov. Cuomo should resign for “the good of the state.”
