The Attorney General of New York, Leticia James, announced on Tuesday that Governor Andrew Cuomo “sexually harassed many women,” including employees, in the context of announcing the results of an independent investigation into allegations against this powerful Democrat that led to calls for his immediate resignation.
This sensational report details allegations from 11 women that paint a “very disturbing but clear” picture of a pattern of abusive behavior by the governor and his senior officials, according to James, allegations Cuomo quickly denied.
US President Joe Biden called on Cuomo to resign, saying from the White House, “I think he should resign.”
Cuomo had previously confirmed that he “never touched anyone inappropriately”, hinting that he would rule out submitting his resignation.
It was not clear whether he would face Cuomo A criminal trial, while the public prosecutor indicated that the investigation was “civil in nature”
James said during a press conference that the five-month investigation “has been concluded.” She added that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed several women, in violation of federal and state law.”
The investigation also found that Cuomo “sexually harassed current and former female employees of New York State by touching them in an unwelcome and unwelcome manner,” she said. consensual and sexually suggestive comments that created a hostile work environment for women.”
The investigation also concluded that Cuomo and his team had taken retaliatory measures against at least one former employee after she filed a complaint in this regard.)
Immediately after the report was released, Cuomo issued a televised statement denying all these allegations. “First, I want you to know directly from me that I have not touched anyone inappropriately, nor made inappropriate sexual comments,” he said. The most I can do for you, and this is what I do every day. I will not be distracted by this work. We have a lot to do.”
At least 8 women, former or current aides, reported that they were vulnerable For verbal harassment and inappropriate gestures from Cuomo. A former employee reported that he put his hand under her shirt last year.
Cuomo rejects calls for his resignation, which have also been made by Democratic officials in New York and in the US Congress. Republic, among the first to call on Cuomo to face the consequences of the report. “Governor Cuomo needs to resign and be arrested immediately,” she wrote on Twitter.
Also, lawmakers in New York reacted swiftly, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said “should be It is clear to all that he no longer has the right to be ruler.”
