Amid a second allegation this weekend of sexual harassment against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, (D-NY) released the following statement on Sunday: “These allegations are serious and deeply concerning. As requested by Attorney General James, the matter should be referred to her office so that she can conduct a transparent, independent and thorough investigation with subpoena power.”
Cuomo also issued a statement Sunday, saying: “At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny … I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business.” Cuomo denied all allegations from the two women and then tried to appoint his own investigator — former Federal Judge Barbara Jones.
On Sunday, though, Cuomo backed away from trying to control the investigation because New York Attorney General Letitia James has the authority to name the lead investigator, not Cuomo, who was also probably hearing more and more calls for an independent investigation, even from his own Democratic party, including Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Binghamton, Union and Vestal). Democrats have been silent amid recent increasing criticism of Cuomo — particularily from Republicans — for his role in nursing homes deaths and unnecessary extended executive authority, both during COVID.
New York State GOP posted this Tweet on Sunday: “We went from outright denial to he was just being ‘playful.’ This latest statement is an insult and a joke. Andrew Cuomo is guilty and must be held accountable. He must GO.”
Cuomo said: “I never made advances toward Ms. Bennett nor did I ever intend to act in any way that was inappropriate. The last thing I would ever have wanted was to make her feel any of the things that are being reported.”
Another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, previously accused Cuomo of sexual harassment. Boyle said Cuomo kissed her and asked her to play strip poker while on his private jet. Boylan posted a Tweet on Sunday about Cuomo: “His abuse of power never ends. He does not get to choose his judge and jury. We do. And what is abundantly clear to me is the governor should resign. And if he does not resign, he should be removed from office. Not one more victim. Not one more life destroyed.”
Perhaps trying to explain himself, Cuomo issued this awkward statement: “I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way. I do it in public and in private. You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times. I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business.
“I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.”
