New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has had a bad few weeks. Not only has information that he covered up the actual number of nursing home deaths in his state, but now multiple accusers have stepped forward to implicate him. At the time of writing, we’re up to at least three women claiming the New York governor sexually harassed them in some way.
In many circles, the news of the sexual harassment has eclipsed the alarming news of the coverups and intimidation efforts launched by Cuomo regarding the nursing home deaths. Since both stories have broken, however, calls for Cuomo’s resignation have only increased, many launched by fellow New York Democrats.
NPR reports that while Cuomo has apologized and expressed “embarrassment” over the sexual harassment claims, he refuses to resign stating that while his actions may have made the women feel uncomfortable, he’s got a full plate and, ultimately, resigning isn’t on it.
The first woman to step forward with claims of sexual misconduct against Governor Cuomo was Lindsey Boylan, who served as an economic advisor within his administration. She accused the governor of a non-consensual kiss and touching as well as the creation of a culture that “not only condoned but expected” bullying behavior and sexual harassment.
The second to come forward was a former executive assistant and health policy advisor. Charlotte Bennett accused Cuomo of a series of uncomfortable and invasive personal questions including whether she had slept with older men in the past.
The third to come forward was not an employee of the governor, so the relationship was much different. However, Anna Ruch claimed that at a 2019 wedding reception the Governor was a little too forward in his flirtations placing his hands on her bare back, which she intentionally moved away. And then, he placed his hands on her cheeks before asking if he could kiss her.
Bennett, the second accuser to come forward reports that Cuomo’s behavior toward Ruch belied his claims that he had never touched any woman inappropriately and went on to say that she had reported the incident immediately to the Governor’s Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel.
In Cuomo’s statement, he has maintained that his actions had been “misinterpreted as unwanted flirtations.”
Cuomo flatly denied Boylan’s claim of sexual harassment, calling it “simply false.”
Amidst all this, the leaders of the State Assembly and Senate in New York announced they would be rescinding Cuomo’s emergency powers related to coronavirus.
