NY. Gov Andrew Cuomo Resigns After Investigation Finds He Sexually Harassed 11 Women
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation Tuesday after a state investigation found that the governor sexually harassed nearly a dozen women, including current and former government employees, and violated state and federal laws.
"The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government and therefore, that's what I'll do," Cuomo said in a televised address.
Cuomo announced that his resignation would take effect in 14 days, after which Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul (D) will be sworn in to replace him. Hochul will become New York’s first female governor and will serve out his term until the next gubernatorial election in November 2022.
While insisting he had not intended to harass his accusers — which include staffers, a state police trooper assigned to his protective detail and women outside of government — the governor claims the allegations against him have “no credible factual basis” and believes the harassment claims were a misinterpretation of his sense of humor and affectionate style. Though Cuomo continues to dismiss the allegations, he said he “took full responsibility” for his actions and admits he offended some of his accusers through what he considered friendly behavior.
"I do hug and kiss people casually, women and men. I have done it all my life. It's who I've been since I can remember," Cuomo said. "In my mind, I've never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn't realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn. There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn't fully appreciate."
In his statement Tuesday, Cuomo apologized to his accusers, though he repeatedly denied that he inappropriately touched women. Rather, the governor framed his decision to resign as one necessary to avoid months of distraction for the state still battling the COVID-19 pandemic, as he faced an all-but-certain impeachment.
"Government operations and wasting energy on distraction is the last thing government should be. I cannot be the cause,” Cuomo said. “New York tough means New York loving. And I love New York and I love you. Everything I have ever done has been motivated by that love and I would never want to be unhelpful in any way."
Cuomo’s resignation came one week after the state Attorney General’s office concluded that the third-term Democrat sexually harassed 11 women during his time in office by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, hugging and making inappropriate comments. The 165-page report — published after a months-long investigation into Cuomo’s actions — also found that the governor and his aides retaliated against at least one of his accusers who went public with her allegations which fostered a toxic work environment.
The report put increased pressure on the governor to resign, and shortly after its release, President Biden, New York Senators and other democratic leaders urged him to take responsibility and announce his resignation.
As prominent politicians called for the governor’s resignation and denounced his inappropriate behavior, Cuomo’s support among New Yorkers quickly plummeted. According to a Marist Poll conducted the night of the report’s release, 59% of New Yorkers, including 52% of registered Democrats, believed the governor should resign from office in light of the investigation findings. If Cuomo had not resigned, 59% said the New York State Legislature should move to impeach him.
Cuomo still faces multiple criminal investigations into his conduct in several New York counties.
Source: Diana Robinson, NY. Governor Andrew Cuomo Resigns is licensed under CC-BY-NC-ND-2.0