On Tuesday, New York’s Attorney General Letitia James said that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, including employees in his office and some outside the office. Cuomo remained defiant, after the release of the report. A detailed 165-page public report outlined the accusations with many of the victims allowing their names or part of their names to be released. Both Democrats and Republicans have asked him to resign but he has not responded to their call.

James told reporters that none of the women who were harassed welcomed it and all of them “found it uncomfortable.” James also said that it was a “hostile work environment for women.” However, the office has not put forth any criminal charges against him.

Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, nine of these worked or are working as state employees. He also dealt inappropriately with a state trooper and a private employee. All the women gave detailed graphic accounts of his behavior which included inappropriate touch as well as sexually explicit comments.

Investigators said that they interviewed 179 women. They also said that they reviewed 74,000 pieces of evidence. Cuomo was interviewed by investigators for roughly 11 hours last month and the report said that his denials were inconsistent and lacked credibility.

In a video statement after the report was released, Gov. Cuomo once again said that he hadn’t done anything wrong and that he was issuing his own report which said that he had not touched anyone inappropriately nor had he made inappropriate sexual advance. Cuomo also said that the report was biased, and it was being used by his opponents to “score political points” or for publicity or for personal gain.

Cuomo is in his third term as governor of New York. He has resisted attempts made by quite a few persons who have asked him to step down before his term ends in 2022. He is also reportedly preparing to run for a fourth term.

Image Diana Robinson