Andrew Cuomo: DOJ Says New York Ex-Governor Sexually Harassed At Least 13 Female State Employees

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday that New York ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo subjected a minimum of 13 women to a "sexually hostile work environment" during his time in office, according to CNBC.

The DOJ's findings were part of an agreement with the current executive office of the state. The allegations include non-consensual sexual contact, unwelcome comments, ogling, gender-based nicknames, comments on physical appearances, and preferential treatment based on looks.

The DOJ investigation, initiated in August 2021 amid escalating sexual harassment accusations, revealed that Cuomo's office was aware of his conduct but failed to effectively address it.

Instead, efforts were made to shield the former governor from further accusations, and senior staff allegedly retaliated against four of the women who had been harassed.

The New York ex-Governor's attorney, Rita Glavin, responded to the DOJ's announcement by stating that the former governor "did not sexually harass anyone."

Glavin criticized the DOJ's investigation, asserting it was based on a report from the New York State Attorney General that she described as "deeply flawed, inaccurate, biased, and misleading."

Reactions from Attorneys and DOJ Agreement

Attorneys representing some of the women who accused Andrew Cuomo expressed satisfaction with the DOJ's steps to prevent future abuses, CNN noted.

Mariann Wang, an attorney for two accusers, and Debra Katz, an attorney for Charlotte Bennett, voiced hope that the settlement would lead to lasting change.

"We are pleased the US Attorney's office and the Executive Chamber have taken serious steps to ensure nothing like the abuse Cuomo engaged in will happen again," said Wang.

The agreement memorializes reforms initiated by Cuomo's successor, Governor Kathy Hochul.

These include a new process for complaints against senior officials and an anti-retaliation monitoring policy to protect complainants.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that the settlement addresses past failures and aims to prevent the recurrence of systemic sexual harassment.

"With this settlement agreement, the Executive Chamber under Governor Hochul is undertaking additional actions that will address system failures of the past while helping prevent the recurrence of systemic sexual harassment and retaliation in the future," Clarke said.

Governor Hochul, who took office after Cuomo's resignation in August 2021, highlighted the steps taken to eliminate a culture of harassment in the Executive Chamber.

Hochul emphasized the importance of promoting a safe workplace for all employees and expressed her pleasure at the DOJ acknowledging these efforts.

Andrew Cuomo's Legal Battles

New York ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, facing numerous lawsuits since leaving office, has continued his legal battles.

His legal fees are being partly covered by New York taxpayers, POLITICO reports.

Cuomo's attempt to force depositions from women involved in the state Attorney General's report has drawn criticism, with accusers' attorneys accusing him of trying to "retraumatize" them.

Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to publicly accuse Cuomo, responded to the new report by asserting that these events did happen.

Andrew Cuomo, who resigned after a decade in office, has not ruled out another run for elected office and has considered a potential run for New York City mayor, but only if the incumbent Democrat Eric Adams is not in the race.

The DOJ's agreement with the state marks a significant development in addressing the allegations against Cuomo and implementing reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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