As New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faces calls to resign amid sexual harassment allegations, some critics recalled old statements Cuomo made when other lawmakers faced similar accusations.
Amid calls for impeachment over his handling of the COVID-19 nursing home scandal, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) is facing calls to resign after accusations of sexual harassment. Two former staffers, Charlotte Bennett and Lindsey Boylan, shared experiences with the governor’s alleged « pervasive harassment. » This includes unflattering comments about the weight of female colleagues, inappropriate questions about romantic and sexual relationships, and nonconsensual physical advances, according to Newsweek. On Monday, a third woman, Anna Ruch, accused Cuomo of unwanted advances at a wedding. According to Newsweek, Ruch said Cuomo put his hand on her lower back and put his hands on her cheeks and asked her to kiss him. Despite calls from lawmakers to resign, Cuomo said Wednesday that he has no plans to step down. Some critics have called out Cuomo for alleged hypocrisy. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) tweeted a quote from Cuomo allegedly calling for former New York Assemblyman Vito Lopez to resign amid sexual harassment accusations. During the press conference Wednesday, Cuomo said he « never knew at the time that I was making anybody uncomfortable. » « I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable, » Cuomo said. « It was unintentional, and I truly, and deeply, apologize for it. I feel awful about it, and frankly, I am embarrassed by it. » « This is what I want you to know, and I want you to know this from me directly: I never touched anyone inappropriately, » he added. Cuomo said that he will « fully cooperate » with New York Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation into these allegations.
