A report issued by New York Attorney General Letitia James has found that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple current and former staff members following a five-month investigation into the claims of harassment.
Watch Governor Cuomo’s response here.
Read the story on the AG’s report from North Country Public Radio here.
President Joe Biden Calls on Governor Cuomo to Resign
Story courtesy of NPR: https://www.npr.org/2021/08/03/1024329106/white-house-calls-allegations-detailed-in-new-report-against-cuomo-abhorrent
Joint Statement from Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
“As we have said before, the reported actions of the Governor were profoundly disturbing, inappropriate, and completely unacceptable. Today’s report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories – and we commend the women for doing so.
“The New York State Attorney General has conducted an independent, thorough and professional investigation that found the Governor violated state and federal law, had a pattern of sexually harassing current and former employees, retaliated against at least one of the accusers, and created a hostile work environment.
“No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21)
“No one is above the law and today justice must be served. Governor Cuomo must resign and be arrested immediately,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “President Joe Biden must immediately call for Cuomo’s resignation.”
“In December, I was the first federal official to publicly call for an independent investigation into Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. The independent investigation led by the Attorney General’s office confirms Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed and assaulted multiple women, including employees in his office and state troopers. The media and Democrats smeared me and closed ranks to protect Cuomo, a shameful chapter in New York history. All of them including his staff must be held to account. These brave women deserve swift and definitive justice.”
Sen. Dan Stec (NY SD-45)
“In February, I was one of the very first to call on Governor Cuomo to resign. Now with today’s report from the attorney general, including 179 individuals interviewed and over 74,000 documents reviewed, it should be clear to even the most loyal of Cuomo’s supporters that he is unfit to lead and he should resign immediately.
“Cuomo has continuously failed to do the right thing. From the harassing behavior itself, the lies and false denials, to the intimidation of witnesses and recent questioning of the investigators’ independence, he has shown how despicable he really is.
“Cuomo asked for an independent investigation, which is exactly what’s happened. Now the result is in, the truth is out and it is time for him to go. He, frankly, doesn’t deserve another day in our State Capitol.
“Years ago, I pushed for a constitutional amendment that would ensure unethical elected officials wouldn’t be able to cash in on their state pension. Cuomo’s conduct rises to that level and then some. My hope is that he doesn’t see a dime of the public pension he doesn’t deserve and that he resigns immediately so that our state can move forward free of his bullying, manipulative and unethical behavior.”
NY Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie
After our conference this afternoon to discuss the Attorney General’s report concerning sexual harassment allegations against Governor Cuomo, it is abundantly clear to me that the Governor has lost the confidence of the Assembly Democratic majority and that he can no longer remain in office.
Once we receive all relevant documents and evidence from the Attorney General, we will move expeditiously and look to conclude our impeachment investigation as quickly as possible.
Assemblyman Billy Jones (NY AD-115)
“Since the first sexual harassment allegation against Governor Andrew Cuomo, I understood that this was a nonpartisan issue. Harassment in the workplace should never be tolerated and I want to applaud the brave women who stepped forward to tell their story. The investigation concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed current and former employees and in doing so violated federal and state law. The findings of the attorney general’s report are truly abhorrent, and the Governor should be held accountable for his actions and he should step aside. As a body, the New York State Assembly needs to take the next appropriate steps towards holding the Governor accountable.”
Michael S. Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor
“When any victim comes forward with an allegation their voice needs to be taken seriously as well as protected. This process ensured all parties were heard. Early on Governor Cuomo tried as he might to place his thumb on the scale of justice. Wanting an internal review. Thankfully New York Attorney General Letitia James was unwavering to a truly independent investigation. The AG knew it. The public knew it. Anything less would have been a farce. The independent report’s findings demand action: Governor Cuomo must resign. If he will not the legislative leaders in Albany must act swiftly. “