New York Attorney General Letitia James addressed the sexual harassment scandal surrounding Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY). James said that the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct made against Cuomo constitute sexual harassment in the workplace, a violation of state and federal law.
"Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and in doing so violated federal and state law," James said.
James noted that the 4-month probe confirmed that Cuomo "engaged in unwanted and inappropriate groping, kissing, hugging, and comments that accusers called 'deeply humiliating, uncomfortable, offensive, or inappropriate.'" The officials also noted that Cuomo created a "toxic work environment" and "climate of fear." The report from the investigators also found that "the governor and his senior team took actions to relate against at least one former employee for coming forward" with allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace.
NY AG Letitia James: "Governor Cuomo sexually harassed current and former state employees in violation of federal and state laws. The independent investigation found that governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women." pic.twitter.com/md7WtYyHK9
— andrew kaczynski (@KFILE) August 3, 2021
“Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and in doing so violated federal and state law,” James says
— Josefa Velásquez (@J__Velasquez) August 3, 2021
Investigators interviewed 179 individuals, James says, including complainants, current and former staff, state troopers and other state workers, James says.
— Josefa Velásquez (@J__Velasquez) August 3, 2021
The investigation shows a “deeply disturbing, but clear picture,” James says.
NY AG Letitia James: Gov Andrew Cuomo & staff created a “toxic work environment and climate of fear.” Says he harassed multiple women, many of whom were young w/unwanted groping, kissing & inappropriate comments. Then retaliated against at least one woman.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) August 3, 2021
NY AG Letitia James: Gov Andrew Cuomo & staff created a “toxic work environment and climate of fear.” Says he harassed multiple women, many of whom were young w/unwanted groping, kissing & inappropriate comments. Then retaliated against at least one woman.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) August 3, 2021
James praised the women who came forward to tell their stories "in painstaking detail."
My statement on the independent investigation into the alleged sexual harassment claims against Governor Cuomo: pic.twitter.com/DfBC0xaI37
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 3, 2021
Cuomo's legal fate is unknown thus far now that the investigation confirmed that he violated the law. An overwhelming majority of New York lawmakers at the state and federal level, including Republicans and Democrats, have called on Cuomo to resign.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has not outright condemned Cuomo's history of sexual harassment. The president even called Cuomo "capable of being president" and praised his abhorrent COVID policies.
FLASHBACK: Joe Biden said Andrew Cuomo is “capable of being president” and “a great guy.”
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 11, 2021
Around 15,000 seniors died from Cuomo’s executive order that nursing homes accept COVID-positive patients.
Then he lied about it and tried to cover it up.pic.twitter.com/4SDfQ8xdCS
Reminder: Joe Biden called Andrew Cuomo the “gold standard” pic.twitter.com/CRTLm1WypT
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 3, 2021