Fallen US COVID Hero Amid Sexual Scandal... Even Democratic Figures Turn Away

Cuomo Faces Crisis Amidst Successive Allegations
Democratic Lawmakers Agree on Special Authority Removal
Calls for Resignation Also Spread

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York who gained popularity in the war against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), is falling into ruin due to consecutive sexual misconduct allegations. As calls for his resignation grow, it is reported that even within his party, the Democratic Party, there has been an unofficial agreement to strip Cuomo of the special powers granted to him, signaling an expanding ripple effect.

The New York Times released a photo showing Governor Cuomo touching a woman's cheek. (Photo captured from The New York Times)

Bloomberg News reported on the 2nd (local time) that Democratic New York state legislators have unofficially agreed to revoke the emergency powers granted to Governor Cuomo last year for COVID-19 response.

Sources said that Cuomo would need to obtain approval from the state legislature for matters he directs.

This decision came a day after The New York Times reported that Cuomo sexually harassed a woman he met at a wedding. The Times reported that a woman named Anna Ruch said Cuomo touched her face and asked if he could kiss her at the wedding, sparking controversy.

The report included a photo showing Cuomo touching Ruch's cheek, which caused a major uproar.

Bloomberg predicted that this measure would deal a significant blow to his leadership.

Just before this report, Letitia James, New York State Attorney General and chief prosecutor, announced she would investigate the sexual misconduct allegations against Governor Cuomo.

In response to the recent sexual misconduct allegations, Governor Cuomo apologized, saying, "If there was any inappropriate behavior, I apologize," but the situation has worsened.

Previously, The New York Times reported that Charlotte Bennett, who served as Cuomo's secretary, said Cuomo asked if she had ever had a relationship with an older man in the office.

Another former aide also revealed that Cuomo tried to forcibly kiss her during work and suggested playing strip poker (a game with the penalty of removing clothes).

Democratic legislators are also demanding Cuomo's resignation. On this day, six left-wing Democratic New York state legislators called for Governor Cuomo's resignation.

Ron Kim, a New York State Assembly member who claimed he was threatened by Governor Cuomo, said in an interview with Bloomberg, "Some legislators are pushing for (Cuomo's) impeachment, and the number of those demanding his resignation is increasing daily."

Bloomberg also reported that Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Democratic U.S. Senators from New York, are showing attitudes that an investigation into Cuomo is necessary.

Governor Cuomo rose as a national star with a more aggressive response to COVID-19 last year compared to Bill de Blasio, New York City Mayor from the same party, and was even mentioned as a potential vice-presidential candidate, but he is now embroiled in recent sexual misconduct allegations and accusations of downplaying COVID-19 deaths in long-term care facilities.

Meanwhile, there is analysis that New York state business leaders are concerned about Cuomo's downfall. A major foreign media outlet reported that New York state business leaders are worried about Cuomo's fall, who had refused demands from the radical left-wing camp for expanded welfare spending and increased taxes on the wealthy.

Cuomo is currently serving his third term and had announced his intention to run for a fourth term in the 2022 election.