New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Found To Have Sexually Harassed Multiple Women And Retaliated Against Former Employee, Reports Attorney General
Aug. 3 2021, Published 11:30 a.m. ET
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was found to have sexually harassed multiple women – including former and current state employees – from 2013 to 2020, and then retaliated against one former staffer who complained publicly about his behavior.
The findings of the five-month investigation into the Democratic politician's conduct were detailed in a bombshell report that was released Tuesday by state Attorney General Letitia James.
"This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law," she said. "I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man – no matter how powerful – can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period."
James said the sexual harassment experienced by Cuomo's accusers included unwanted and inappropriate groping, kissing, hugging and comments that the women described as "deeply humiliating, uncomfortable, offensive, or inappropriate."
James and her team also determined that Cuomo's Executive Chamber fostered a "toxic" work culture that enabled "harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment." His office was found to have operated using "fear and intimidation" tactics.
Additionally, Cuomo engaged in "retaliatory" behavior by "intend[ing] to discredit and disparage" an ex-employee who came forward with her claims.
