New York COVID-19 'Hero' Falls... Governor Cuomo Accused of Sexual Harassment by 11 Women

Special Investigation Team Announces 4-Month Investigation Results
Red Light for Cuomo's 4th Term
Democratic Party Leadership Demands Immediate Resignation
Cuomo Denies Allegations
Interest in Biden's Position

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State, is issuing a statement denying the investigation results that he sexually harassed 11 people.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] A report has revealed that Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State, sexually harassed 11 women. While Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. have unanimously called for Governor Cuomo's immediate resignation, Cuomo has strongly denied the investigation's findings and refused to step down.

On the 3rd (local time), Letitia James, New York State Attorney General, held a press conference disclosing that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed current and former aides and retaliated against employees who made the harassment public.

Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jim Jun, is explaining the sexual harassment allegations against Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Attorney General James conducted an investigation into Cuomo's sexual harassment allegations over four months since March and released a 165-page report.

James stated, "Governor Cuomo's sexual harassment of 11 current and former aides violates both federal and New York state laws." The victims were subjected to coercive sexual harassment by their superior in Cuomo's office and residence.

Previously, Cuomo had been accused of sexual harassment by at least seven current and former female aides, but the investigation of 179 individuals confirmed that there were more victims.

Jun Kim, former Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York who led the special investigation, said, "Some victims experienced unwanted physical contact, and some had to endure repeated sexually inappropriate remarks," adding, "All victims felt humiliation and discomfort and considered the behavior inappropriate."

Attorney Ann Clark, who participated in the investigation alongside Kim, characterized Cuomo's behavior as "not an affectionate gesture of an elder but an illegal act."

The prosecution pointed out that Cuomo created an atmosphere of fear through intimidation and highlighted problems in New York State's work environment.

Facing a crisis due to the sexual scandal ahead of his fourth-term bid, Cuomo has recently regained considerable public support. He immediately pushed back against the investigation's findings.

Cuomo stated, "I have never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances," claiming that the report's content was inaccurately portrayed.

Cuomo further accused the investigation team of bias, saying, "Politics and prejudice are involved in every aspect of this investigation," implying that Attorney General James launched attacks against him to run for the next gubernatorial election.

However, he admitted, "I have come to realize that my behavior made some women uncomfortable," and apologized, saying, "I have learned that there are generational or cultural perspectives I did not fully understand. I am sorry."

Senior Democratic officials immediately distanced themselves from Governor Cuomo. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks, U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi, and U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries each issued joint statements unanimously calling for Cuomo's resignation.

Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City and a fellow Democrat who has frequently clashed with Cuomo, also called for Cuomo's resignation or impeachment in a statement.

President Joe Biden's stance, who had remained silent about Cuomo's resignation, is also drawing attention. While remaining silent on Cuomo's sexual harassment allegations, President Biden took a reserved position in March, stating, "An investigation is underway, and we should wait to see what conclusion it reaches."

Cuomo gained nationwide recognition last year by actively implementing lockdown policies in response to COVID-19, standing against former President Donald Trump.