An independent investigation commissioned by the New York State Attorney General finds Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed female employees, and retaliated against one who spoke out about his behavior.
The report released Tuesday by State Attorney General Letitia James found the governor engaged in unwanted “kissing, groping and hugging” of women, and made inappropriate comments. The report’s executive summary says both past and present employees were harassed, causing a toxic workplace and a hostile work evironment.
In response, Governor Cuomo repeated that he never made sexual advances or inappropriately touched
women on his staff. In a pre-recorded statement, he said he has lived his entire life in public view, and “that is not just who I am.”
The AG’s report says Cuomo and the Executive Chamber violated state law and the chamber’s own written policy. James said she’s grateful to “all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail.”
Cuomo dealt in his statement with Charlotte Bennet, who worked as one of his assistants and who accused the governor. Cuomo said Bennet identified herself to him as a sexual assault victim, and he tried to comfort her. But he says she and her attorney are inferring motives that he never had and heard things he says he never said.
Cuomo says he often hugs or kisses people on the cheek or forehead, showing photos to back that up. He said he does that with everyone, regardless of who they are.
Cuomo concluded that he is bringing in an outside expert to design a completely new anti-harassment program for the executive chamber, saying he wants New York Government to be a model of good office behavior.